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Konkomba Concerned Youth expresses concerns about potential ethnic discrimination in MMDCEs selection in Oti Region

By Abraham Njonaan Nlenkiba II Contributor
Social News Konkomba Concerned Youth expresses concerns about potential ethnic discrimination in MMDCEs selection in Oti Region
MON, 03 FEB 2025 2

A group known as Konkomba Concerned Youth has raised concerns over what they describe as ethnic discrimination in the selection process for Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Oti Region.

Following the change in government, many individuals have expressed interest in these positions. However, reports indicate that members of the Konkomba ethnic group have been systematically sidelined.

Despite being card-carrying members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), all Konkomba applicants for MMDCE positions have allegedly been eliminated at the regional level.

Not a single Konkomba has been shortlisted for any district position, even in areas where they form a significant portion of the population, such as Nkwanta North, Krachi Nchumuru, Krachi West, Krachi East, and Nkwanta South, the group alleged.

In Nkwanta North, where the Konkomba community constitutes over 90% of the population, the group further alleged that none of their candidates were considered for selection. This development has sparked outrage and has been linked to an alleged audio recording attributed to the current Oti Regional Minister, Hon. Kwadwo Gyapong, who previously served as the NDC’s regional chairman. The recording suggests that a tribal agenda may be influencing the selection process.

They are calling on the government to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the selection of MMDCEs across the region.

PRESS RELEASE
2ND FEBRUARY 2025.
ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION IN OTI REGION’S MMDCE NOMINATIONS: A CALL FOR FAIRNESS, INCLUSIVITY, AND NATIONAL UNITY BY Konkomba Concerned Youth

It has come to our attention that the Oti Regional Minister has allegedly declared his dislike for the Konkomba ethnic group and, as a result, ensured that no Konkomba candidates were included in the list of nominees submitted for consideration as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). This development, if true, is deeply concerning and poses a significant threat to peace, unity, and fair representation in the region.

Further evidence of this alarming development has surfaced in the form of an audio recording currently circulating, in which the Oti Regional Minister can be heard openly expressing his dislike for Konkombas. If verified, this statement is not only unacceptable but also a clear violation of the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and national unity that Ghana upholds. Such open ethnic bias by a government official is a serious concern that must not be ignored.

Oti Region is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Ghana, with an estimated 25 ethnic groups coexisting peacefully. Among these groups, the Konkomba people form a significant part of the region’s population and play a crucial role in its socio-economic and political development. Politically, Konkombas have demonstrated their commitment to Ghana’s democracy and to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in particular, with three out of the nine Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Oti Region being Konkombas elected under the NDC banner. Given their substantial presence and contributions, it is deeply troubling that they are reportedly being sidelined in governance appointments within the region.

IMPLICATIONS OF EXCLUSION AND DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination based on ethnicity is a dangerous practice that has historically led to divisions, conflicts, and setbacks in national development. Ghana, as a democratic and multi-ethnic nation, thrives on the values of inclusivity, fairness, and equal opportunities for all. Excluding a particular ethnic group from leadership and decision-making processes in any region can lead to:

  1. Social and Political Tensions: A feeling of exclusion and marginalization among affected communities can breed resentment, which may result in conflict and instability.
  2. Distrust in Government: When citizens perceive bias and unfair treatment in leadership appointments, they lose confidence in the government’s ability to govern impartially.
  3. Hindered Development: Good governance thrives on diverse leadership. Excluding a vibrant and hardworking group like the Konkombas from governance limits the region’s potential for development.
  4. Violation of Constitutional Rights: Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity. Any action that contradicts this principle is unconstitutional and must be addressed.

CALL TO ACTION
In light of these concerns, we call on His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to take immediate steps to address this issue and ensure that governance in the Oti Region remains fair and inclusive. Specifically, we urge the President to:

  1. Review the Submitted List of MMDCE Nominees: Conduct an immediate and thorough assessment of the list of MMDCE nominees from the Oti Region to ensure that no ethnic group has been deliberately excluded from consideration.
  2. Investigate the Audio Recording: An official investigation must be conducted to verify the authenticity of the circulating audio, and appropriate actions must be taken against any government official found guilty of promoting ethnic discrimination.
  3. Engage Key Stakeholders: Open a dialogue with traditional leaders, political representatives, and community leaders from all ethnic groups in the region to foster inclusivity and unity.
  4. Reaffirm the Government’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Publicly declare and reinforce the government’s stance on national unity, fairness, and equal representation in governance.
  5. Issue a Strong Directive Against Ethnic Discrimination: Ensure that government officials at all levels are guided by principles of justice, fairness, and inclusivity in their decision-making processes.

A CALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY
Ghana’s strength lies in its diversity. Every citizen, regardless of ethnic background, has the right to participate in governance and contribute to national development. No group should feel marginalized or excluded from the political process, as this goes against the very foundation of democracy and national unity.

The contents of the circulating audio, if confirmed, are deeply disturbing and warrant immediate action. It is unacceptable for any government official, particularly a regional minister, to publicly express hatred towards an ethnic group. Such statements fuel division, weaken national cohesion, and set a dangerous precedent for governance in Ghana.

Furthermore, the exclusion of Konkombas from governance in Oti Region is especially concerning, given their active political participation and the fact that three out of the nine current NDC MPs in the region are Konkombas. If a group that has consistently supported the ruling party is being marginalized, it raises serious questions about fairness and the principles of democracy.

We, therefore, urge the President to take swift action in ensuring that the final selection of MMDCEs in the Oti Region reflects fairness, equity, and inclusivity. By doing so, His Excellency will be reaffirming his commitment to justice and the principles of good governance that Ghana stands for.

As concerned citizens and stakeholders, we remain committed to advocating for justice, peace, and national unity. We call on all well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities to lend their voices to this cause to ensure that fairness prevails in leadership appointments.

Conclusion
We call on the government to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. The future of our democracy depends on fairness, and we must ensure that no ethnic group is marginalized in governance. We also urge the relevant security agencies and human rights bodies to look into this issue and take the necessary steps to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.

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