Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bole in the Savannah Region, have accused President John Dramani Mahama of failing to honour his campaign promises.
The aggrieved supporters, enraged by the omission of Bole-Bamboi Member of Parliament (MP) Alhaji Yusif Sulemana from the final list of ministerial nominees, staged violent protests in the town.
Demonstrators burned car tires in front of the late father of President Mahama’s residence and issued threats to destroy the local NDC office if their demands were not addressed.
This protest is particularly striking as Bole is President Mahama’s hometown, a constituency that has consistently supported him politically.
The protesters claim they were assured by the President during the campaign that their MP would secure a ministerial position. However, with no appointee from the area featured in the newly announced list, they feel betrayed.
While loyalty and networks to the President play a critical role in appointments, party supporters in Bole argue that their unwavering support for the NDC in elections justifies their demand for ministerial recognition.
“We have been used and dumped once again,” some demonstrators lamented.
Destruction and Community Outcry
Properties were damaged during the demonstrations, prompting some residents to label the actions of the NDC youth as embarrassing.
Community leaders expressed concern over the impact of the protests on the image of Bole and called for calm while urging President Mahama to address the grievances.
The MP has appealed to the youth and residents of the area to remain calm and refrain from any acts of agitation in his name.
Importance of Regional Balance
The uproar highlights the significance of regional balance in political appointments, a directive of state policy in Ghana.
While regional and gender balance are enshrined in the Constitution, the emphasis on regional representation is often far stronger.
Political analysts note that every cabinet is expected to have at least one minister from each region, underscoring the strategic importance of such appointments in fostering national unity.
Mahama’s ministerial appointments
President Mahama recently reduced the number of ministries from 29 to 23.
With a cabinet limited to 19 members, presidents are required to balance a complex web of considerations, including regional representation, loyalty, electoral performance, and contributions from influential party stakeholders.
A test of leadership and trust
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance presidents must strike when making political appointments. Beyond loyalty and competence, ensuring equitable regional representation remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s political culture and a critical factor in maintaining public trust.
