We won't be blackmailed by supporters over MMDCE appointment – NPP

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a stern warning to party supporters that it would not be blackmailed over the appointment of the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country.

Acting NPP General Secretary, John Boadu at a news conference in Accra Monday said the decision of who to appoint rests with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and should be given the space to exercise that.

“All that is being done is consultation with the party people and consultation with other stakeholders,” he said.

Barely two months in office, the President has come under intense pressure from party supporters over the choice of persons to fill the various MMDCE positions.

On January 22 some party youth in Bole-Bamboi Constituency warned the party over the purported endorsement of NPP Communication Director for the constituency, Abdulai Ibrahim as the DCE. They hinted of dire consequences for the party if the decision is carried through.

This was followed by skirmishes in Accra at Odododiodoo constituency and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district in the Northern Region over a similar decision.

Mr Boadu said that although NPP supporters have been directed to apply for the various positions, some arrangements had been made prior to the December 7, 2016, elections.

“The broad arrangement has been done and I think that it goes beyond shortlisting at the constituency or national levels,” he said, adding this was reached with some of the party supporters who had wanted to go as an independent parliamentary candidate.

Nonetheless, he said the party would work at scrutinising the few shortlisted people who have expressed interest in those positions.

Mr Boadu noted that their attention was drawn to the number of women who applied for the position, saying they were disappointed to know the men have outnumbered them.

"What may be the reason?" he asked, adding perhaps they "weren’t aware or are being intimidated."

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | Austin.powers@myjoyonline.com