The National Democratic Congress (NDC), South Tongue District, has cleared Holy Kofi Ahiabu and Emmanuel Majesty Gameli Agbedu to contest in the upcoming South Tongu constituency executive elections, despite an appeal filed by traditional leaders citing severe misconduct, hate speech, and threats against local chiefs.
The clearance followed a vetting session on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during which the South Tongu Constituency Vetting Committee examined audio recordings and petitions regarding the behavior of both candidates.
While committee members admitted that the evidence and admissions proved the aspirants had engaged in unacceptable conduct toward traditional authorities, they ruled that party guidelines lacked explicit grounds to disqualify them on those bases.
The petitions against the two candidates stemmed from broadcasts on Sela FM. Ahiabu, an aspirant for Constituency Secretary, was accused of describing sitting chiefs as a “gang” engaged in “heinous crimes” and stating on air that traditional leaders proceeding with custom functions in Dabala “would not return to their homes”.
Agbedu, who is running for Deputy Communications Officer, was cited for comparing chiefs to people who “roam aimlessly on the streets” and warning them to “be careful”.
In response to the vetting outcome, the Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Chief Priests, and Clan Heads of the 16 clans of the Agave Traditional Area submitted a formal appeal to the NDC National Chairman and the National Director of Elections.
The traditional rulers argued that clearing candidates who publicly demean local authorities undermines Article 47(1) and Article 48 of the party constitution regarding anti-party conduct, and warned that failing to address the issue risks alienating voters across South Tongu.
The traditional custodians highlighted that customary governance existed long before modern political structures, arguing that gaps in internal election guidelines should not be used to excuse conduct that custom strictly forbids.
They also pointed to a growing perception among residents that political figures are fueling local chieftaincy disputes, warning that clearing both candidates reinforces that sentiment and could lead to widespread community resistance against future party campaign activities in Agave.
To resolve the impasse, the Agave traditional leadership urged the National Executive Committee (NEC) to invoke Articles 40(12) and 54 of the party constitution to overturn the vetting clearance and refer both aspirants to a disciplinary committee.
They have requested an urgent meeting with a national party delegation to present audio evidence in person, calling for the matter to be resolved ahead of the South Tongu Constituency Conference.
