A group of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Effutu constituency have expressed their frustration and disappointment over the party’s failure to secure an appointment for James Kofi Annan, the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the area.
The supporters, who stormed the NDC constituency office, vandalized party property and chanted protest songs, are demanding that President John Dramani Mahama reward James Kofi Annan with an appointment. They cited his dedication and hard work during the elections as justification for their call.
President Mahama has commenced appointing individuals to various positions in state institutions, but the omission of James Kofi Annan from the list has angered the supporters. They feel that Annan’s contributions to the party and his performance in the constituency warrant an appointment.
“We are begging the leadership of the party to do something,” said Awo Sagoe, an angry resident. “As women, we laid down our lives for the party to come into power. But if today the NDC is in power, they must give James Kofi Annan an appointment.”
The supporters are also appealing to key party leaders, including Ato Forson and Vice President Professor Naana Opoku Agyemang, to intervene in the matter. They feel that the party leadership has neglected Annan and is not recognizing his contributions to the party.
“We beg our father Ato Forson to intervene in the matter,” said Sagoe. “He must talk to John Mahama to do something about the situation. We want Vice President Professor Naana Opoku Agyemang to do something. The NPP people are laughing at us for not having a single appointment.”
The supporters feel that the party’s failure to secure an appointment for Annan is a slap in the face and a sign of neglect. They are worried that the NPP will capitalize on this situation and mock them for not having a single appointment.
“As a youth of Effutu constituency, we are angry with the way and manner our Parliamentary candidate has been treated,” said Ebenezer Frimpong Manso, a party supporter. “In 2016, our PC Eric Don Arthur contested, but he wasn’t a match for Alex. In 2019, when James Kofi Annan emerged as the parliamentary candidate, Alex Afenyo Markin started all the developmental projects.”
Manso emphasized that Annan’s performance in the constituency and his dedication to the party warrant an appointment. He expressed disappointment that the party leadership has neglected Annan and is not recognizing his contributions.
“It means that he saw something good in him and needed to step up,” said Manso. “He has done well in the constituency and he deserves an appointment. The Ministerial appointment is almost ended, and the same as the CEO position. We want our PC to get an appointment, but it seems the party leadership has neglected him. The NPP in the constituency has neglected us.”
The incident highlights the growing tensions within the NDC and the high expectations of its supporters. As the party navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how they’ll address the concerns of their constituents.
