Is Lordina influencing Mahama’s appointments?

Anger is swelling within the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over suspicions that First Lady Lordina Mahama wields significant influence over key appointments made by President John Dramani Mahama.
Party insiders and foot soldiers alike are reportedly seething, alleging that decisions are being shaped behind the scenes by the First Lady.
On the back of rising anger over notable NDC members yet to be appointed to office, the suspicion threatens the unity of the government and the party.
According to sources close to the presidency, these allegations have sparked unrest among party loyalists, some of whom are threatening to escalate protests against certain appointees if this influence persists.
The growing frustration is said to have already fueled instances of foot soldiers invading premises of some agencies demanding withdrawal of appointees.

The role of Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff Julius Debrah is also seen as being the hand of the First Lady in some of these appointments, instructions and counter-instructions.

Broken promises: The COCOBOD controversy
The discontent within the party reached a boiling point following the President’s alleged failure to fulfill a promise to a prominent chief about a week ago.
Sources claim that President Mahama assured the revered prominent chief he would appoint a specific individual (name withheld) as Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
However, this promise was reportedly sidelined in favour of Dr. Randy Abbey, who is said to have close ties to the First Family, particularly the First Lady.
According to insiders, this decision, allegedly influenced by Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has caused a rift within the party.

A smokescreen?
Further complicating matters, a list of potential ministerial nominees had surfaced, including Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo (MP) – Ministry of Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka (MP) – Ministry of Transport, Samuel Nartey George (MP) – Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings (MP) – Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP) – Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The rest are Alhassan Saibu Suhuyini (MP) – Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, Kofi Adams (MP) – Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Ministry of Defence, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP) – Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment
Another list named Dr. Randy Abbey as CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
Even before that list surfaced, The Herald Newspaper had earlier reported that Dr. Abbey was going to head GNPC.
Although government spokesperson dismissed the lists as fake, sources insist they were genuine but leaked prematurely.
Allegedly, upon learning of the lists, the First Lady objected to some names, and positions offered others prompting the government to backtrack and label the documents as fake.
This has only fueled suspicions about her alleged involvement in the appointment process.

YEA drama
The controversy deepened when reports surfaced that Sammy Gyemfi and Eric Agyei of the Bono Alliance had lobbied Mrs. Mahama to push for Malik Basintale’s appointment as CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
This move has reportedly caused tension with George Opare Addo, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment.
The alleged lobbying and its fallout echo similar accusations of undue influence leveled against Mrs. Mahama during President Mahama’s first term—a charge the First Lady vehemently denied at the time.

Growing tensions and party fallout
With frustrations mounting, NDC insiders warn of a potential breakdown in party unity if the alleged interference is not addressed promptly.
Some foot soldiers are threatening to intensify protests, potentially disrupting the administration’s agenda.
As accusations swirl and tensions rise, the Mahama administration faces a delicate balancing act—addressing the growing discontent within its ranks while maintaining public trust in its governance.
Whether these allegations will leave lasting damage on the NDC remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for more revelations
By ELVIS DARKO, Accra