Tension is mounting within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as highly disillusioned grassroots supporters and some disgruntled senior members of the governing party are openly pouring their frustration on their leadership over what they describe as a lack of jobs and broken promises, over a year in power.
On various social media platforms and leaked internal party communication channels, party activists, often referred to as footsoldiers, have been expressing disappointment regarding issues ranging from lack of opportunities in security services recruitment, to slow pace in the implementation of the much hyped ‘Operation Recover All Loot’ (ORAL) and prosecution of former government officials.
According to many of the grassroots members, their anger is attributable to what they believe is a widening gap between the sacrifices made during the election campaign and the opportunities available to them with NDC in power.
Security services recruitment blues
A major issue agitating the already disenchanted party supporters, is the ongoing recruitment into the security services under the supervision of the Minister for the Interior, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka.
NDC youth groups and activists have taken to social media, accusing the the Interior Ministry of conducting what they labelled as “secret” or “protocol-based” recruitment that allegedly benefits a select few while excluding ordinary party members.
They argued that after vigorously campaigning to secure victory for President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC, party loyalists should not be struggling to access opportunities within state institutions.
The anger has escalated to the boiling point that some party faithful are openly calling on President Mahama to sack the Interior Minister for allegedly refusing to prioritise party members in the recruitment process.
Online recruitment brouhaha
Another critical issue raised by NDC supporters and non-party applicants relates to the introduction of an online aptitude testing platform used for the recruitment exercise.
Applicants, particularly those from rural communities, argue that the digital platform disadvantages individuals who lack stable internet access or sufficient digital skills.
The system, they further argued, has effectively excluded many unemployed youth who cannot afford the cost of internet or repeated attempts to complete the online process.
Alleged problems with third-party firm
The involvement of a private technology firm, TribeNet, in managing parts of the recruitment process has also generated controversy.
Critics contend that outsourcing recruitment administration to a private company has created additional administrative barriers and financial burdens for applicants.
For many frustrated party supporters, the situation reinforces suspicions that the recruitment process may not be as transparent as authorities claim.
Interior Minister rejects allegations
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Muntaka has dismissed the allegations as unfounded despite the growing backlash.
He has maintained that the recruitment process has been fair and transparent.
According to him, the process has been specifically designed to eliminate corruption and middlemen who previously exploited applicants.
The government, Mr Muntaka explained, introduced the Centralised Services E-Recruitment Portal (C-SERP) to ensure merit-based selection rather than politically influenced recruitment.
He also revealed that the ministry had established a dedicated email platform to allow the public to report any suspected fraud or misconduct during the recruitment exercise.
Mr Muntaka further announced that only applicants who passed documentation and body inspections would proceed to the medical screening stage scheduled for March 16, 2026.
Outrage over ORAL promise
Apart from the recruitment brouhaha, many NDC supporters are expressing disappointment over what they see as slow progress in prosecuting officials of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
It would be recalled that in the lead up to the 2024 general election, the NDC propagated ORAL as a major anti-corruption agenda intended to investigate and recover state funds allegedly ‘stolen’ by former government officials.
However, some NDC footsoldiers are expressing anger, weakening their confidence in ORAL as probably a fiction, due to what they claim is the absence of visible prosecutions.
The apparent delay in prosecutions, according to them, has created the impression that the promise to hold former officials accountable may not be achieved.
GoldBod–Women of Valour marriage fuels more tension
The high tension within the governing NDC has been taken to another level following a recent controversy involving the association of GoldBod Jewellery Limited with the Women of Valour programme organised by media personality Nana Aba Anamoah in London.
A number of NDC supporters and kingpins have criticised the sponsorship of the event by the state-owned entity at a time when many grassroots activists are struggling financially.
The criticism intensified after the Managing Director of GoldBod Jewellery, Gertrude Emefa Donkor, was accused of justifying the company’s involvement.
Subsequently, the GoldBod Jewellery issued a statement clarifying that it did not provide financial sponsorship for the event.
The company explained that its involvement was limited to offering promotional discounts on jewellery purchases to participants as part of its Ghana Heritage Month marketing campaign.
It emphasised that the partnership was purely promotional and consistent with similar marketing campaigns conducted during other special occasions such as Valentine’s Month.
Calming tempers after confusion
Following the growing disillusionment, a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Mustapha Gbande, has boldly stepped forward to appeal for calm.
In a message to party supporters on his Facebook timeline, which has been further circulated on various social media platforms, Mr Gbande acknowledged the frustrations being expressed by grassroots members and emphasised that the leadership was aware of their concerns.
He however suggested that some of the narratives being circulated online are being amplified by political opponents seeking to exploit the frustrations of genuine party supporters.
Mr Gbande stressed that the party and the government operate as separate structures and urged members not to abandon the party because of the actions of a few individuals.
Below is what Mustapha Gbande wrote:
Good evening colleagues and comrades, I have reviewed numerous commentaries and concerns that have been widely expressed, reflecting the sentiments of some members. Often, many of us tend to observe and remain silent, but it is essential to acknowledge that we are accountable for addressing the grievances of even a single member, let alone a group of dedicated brothers and sisters who have worked together to get us this far.
As the Deputy General Secretary, I would like to state the following:
- Most accounts expressing discontent appear to be driven by pro-NPP sentiments, exploiting the frustrations of our supporters.
- As members of the NDC, our concerns are continually taken into consideration for adjustments, corrections, and strategic realignments. The pain and struggles shared by many keep us up at night, prompting deep reflections on how to improve.
- When it seems like our hopes have been dashed due to perceived betrayals, it’s natural to feel aggrieved, especially when those who were previously indifferent are now trying to capitalize on our struggles. However, it’s crucial to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and allow time to unfold. Your patience will be vindicated soon.
- While some actions by appointees may deviate from our party’s resolve, it is unhealthy to abandon our party’s principles. I am confident that our challenges are temporary.
- Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the party, despite individual actions. As party officers, we are taking note of every situation and will give them serious consideration.
- Sometimes, as leaders, things may seem to worsen before they get better. Let us be measured and responsible in our actions, ensuring we don’t provide our opponents with an undeserved advantage.
- We will overcome these challenges together.
- Giving up on our beliefs would be a defeat for our future; staying focused and strong amidst challenges assures us of ultimate victory.
I submit that your concerns are legitimate, but we must move forward in good faith.
We shall prevail together
A party under intense pressure Pressure
The simmering tension within the NDC underscores the challenge facing the party leadership as it seeks to balance governance responsibilities with the expectations of thousands of supporters who helped return the party to power.
While government officials insist they are working hard to promote fairness and transparency for all Ghanaians, many grassroots members remain impatient for results.
