A coalition of concerned youth activists and grassroots members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Okaikwei Central Constituency has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama and the national leadership of the party to nominate Abdul-Rashid Issah as the next Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Okaikoi North Municipality.
They described Rashid Issah as a ‘proven loyalist, grassroots commander, and the only credible choice’ to lead the municipality, which encompasses both the Okaikoi Central and North constituencies.
Addressing a press conference at the Okaikwei Central Constituency in New Fadama on Sunday, April 13, the petitioners lamented what they described as longstanding marginalization of Okaikoi Central within the party’s leadership structure, citing the lack of an MCE appointment from the constituency since the inception of the municipality.
“No Municipal Chief Executive has ever been appointed from Okaikoi Central. This historical oversight has created disillusionment among our base, especially when considering the sacrifices we have made, including comrades who have sustained life-altering injuries and others who have died in service of the party,” the petition stated.
Abass Hussein, Chairman of the Abubakar Sadiq Branch in Abeka who spoke on behalf of the group, pointed to the symbolic and strategic significance of the constituency, home to Ghana’s two most prominent Muslim clerics—National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and Sheikh Umar Ibrahim—as a reason why the community should be recognized with a key appointment.
Abdul-Rashid Issah, a two-time parliamentary candidate and a known figure within NDC grassroots circles, has been praised as a man of action and a unifier.
“He has never wavered, never defected, and never compromised his allegiance to the ideals of the NDC. While others pursue personal gain, Abdul-Rashid has consistently prioritized the collective good,” he said.
“If the party leadership wants to maintain and expand our gains in Greater Accra, they must begin by recognizing those who have sacrificed everything for the cause. We will not accept a parachuted candidate,” he added.
The petition warned that overlooking Abdul-Rashid Issah for the MCE position could demoralize the grassroots and threaten party cohesion.
“Appointing him will energize the party base and demonstrate that the NDC rewards loyalty, competence, and true service,” it stressed.
The petition, according to sources, has stirred significant discussion with the NDC seeking to consolidate its position in key urban battlegrounds, the outcome could have broader implications for party unity and electoral strategy.
