Some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency have strongly refuted claims that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin is interfering in the appointment of a District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area.
At a press conference on Thursday, March 13, the group, calling themselves “Concerned Constituency Executives,” described the accusations as baseless and politically motivated, arguing that the claims were part of a calculated attempt to tarnish the Speaker’s reputation and create division within the NDC.
Their response follows an earlier press conference held on Monday, March 10, by another faction of the party, which accused Speaker Bagbin of manipulating the appointment process.
Addressing the media, Biekpe Sylvester, the group’s convener and constituency communication officer, emphasized that the selection of a DCE is solely the prerogative of the President, under constitutional provisions.
He stressed that the Speaker has no authority to impose a candidate, as the final decision rests with the President and the Assembly Members.
“The only legitimate way to challenge a nomination is through the Assembly, not through threats and public outbursts. If others insist that unless their preferred candidate is chosen, they will resist any other nomination, then we equally reserve the right to resist their candidate as well,” he asserted.
Sylvester further alleged that the organizers of the previous press conference engaged in deceptive tactics to gather support for their petition. According to him, some party members were misled into attending the event under false pretences, while others were coerced into signing a petition they did not fully understand.
“It is disgraceful that certain individuals, without the mandate of the Constituency Executive Committee, misrepresented themselves and organized a press conference to push their interests,” he stated.
The Concerned Constituency Executives also accused the opposing faction of waging a long-standing campaign to discredit Speaker Bagbin. They recalled previous instances where the same individuals allegedly instigated attacks on the Speaker during his presidential primary bid and subsequent parliamentary primaries.
“It is clear that these individuals have a personal vendetta against the Speaker. They have always found a way to blame him for anything that does not serve their interests,” the group charged.
Additionally, they rejected claims that Speaker Bagbin had diverted protocol slots meant for party members, reallocated funds intended for the Charikpong Health Centre, or blocked the appointment of an NDC member as Deputy Communications Minister.
They described these allegations as fabricated attempts to damage the Speaker’s legacy.
“To even suggest that the Speaker would deliberately create division between communities in the constituency is not only false but a dangerous attempt to incite conflict among our people,” they warned.
Concluding their address, the group called for unity within the NDC, urging party members to focus on strengthening the party ahead of the 2024 elections rather than engaging in internal conflicts.
“We reaffirm our loyalty to Speaker Bagbin and the party’s leadership. Let us work together to build a stronger NDC, rather than allowing petty internal fights to weaken us,” they stated.
They also hinted at possible legal action against the conveners of the previous press conference, particularly on allegations that border on criminal conduct.
