The yet-to-be announced appointment of former Communications Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah as the director of elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing serious opposition from a section of the party.
It follows latest selection of persons who would be expected to man the various departments of the party especially, as it gears up for intense campaign ahead of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
While some of the positions have been confirmed, others are said to be pending for further consultations.
Those already in the public include, director of elections and deputies, director of legal affairs and a deputy, director of IT and deputy, communications director and deputy and a few others.
But The Anchor’s sources at the party’s Adabraka headquarters have hinted that, some bigwigs and foot-soldiers are unimpressed with some of the new appointments, particularly the one made in the name of the medical doctor, Dr. Omane Boamah.
The former Communications Minister is said to be the choice of the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama and his aide, Stan Dogbe.
But some have viewed the appointment as one of the clandestine moves by former presidential staffer and journalist, to have some level of influence within the Functional Executive Council (FEC) and penetrate his way into the party just to have a control.
From the list so far sighted by this paper, it appears he is the only one whose appointment is not sitting well with a number of people.
Insiders told The Anchor, the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia and other bigwigs as well as the grassroots are allegedly not comfortable with Dr. Omane Boamah’s appointment.
If it goes well, the physician will be taking over from former Youth and Sports Minister and failed General Secretary Aspirant, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah as the new Director for Elections.
Four years ago, when Mr. Afriyie Ankrah was appointed, Mr Mahama according to sources, was unimpressed with it but the then national chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo stood on his grounds.
As a result, leadership of the party this time round, allegedly asked the flagbearer to bring his choice following which he brought the physician.
He will be deputized by former a Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), Daniel Amartey and one Mahdi Jibrill, a former deputy national organizer.
This paper is gathering that the stiff opposition against Dr. Omane Boamah, is not because he is not competent, but because of his calm and gentle nature which they feel may be a disadvantage to the party.
While some have embraced the rumoured appointment, others say he should not be considered but are arguing for a more energetic and hot-headed person.
Some have also argued that, Dr Omane Boamah despite rising to various positions in both government and party, has no constituency as in he cannot boldly say where he controls in the NDC.
They lament he is not a grassroots person and does not appeal to the rank and file of the party, as joining the party from his National Union of Graduate Students (NUGS) days is his only claim to fame.
Those against his appointment this paper is informed say the 2024 election is not one for the faint hearted.
According to them, in an election where the NPP is working to “break the 8”, the opposition party needs someone with experience in election related matters and a lot more aggressiveness to approach it.
Even though no person has been mentioned in particular, many say the appointment of the medical doctor, will not advance the course of the party like they would have wished.
Meanwhile, other appointments are the one for Edudzi Tamkloe as the director of legal affairs.
The NDC communicator and private legal practitioner, will be replacing his senior colleague at the bar, Abraham Amalba, who is being shifted to the Conflict Resolution department, to deputize former Speaker under former President Mahama, Edward Doe Adjaho.
One more woman lawyer, would be added to assist the former Speaker who is the current head.
Yayra Koku who used to work under Dr. William Ahadzi at the National Identification Authority (NIA) has also been appointed the deputy director of IT.
Congratulatory messages have been poured on him on social media. The IT guru is alleged to have been suggested by Mr Mahama. He will be working with either Dr Ahadji or Osei Kwame Griffiths who until recently was the substantive.
Interestingly, Mr Mahama is said not to be happy with Griffiths whose name came up during the party’s preparation towards the 2020 election petition at the Supreme Court as having discharged his duties not so well.
Obuobia Darko Opoku has also been penciled down as the possible substantive director for communications. She will be replacing another legal practitioner Kakra Essamouh, who is going to be appointed to a different position.
Former Deputy General Secretary in-charge of operation, Peter Boamah Otukunor is coming to head Research as the current one and former MP, Dr Rashid Iddi has allegedly suffered stroke. Deputy Director of International Affairs which is currently held by Fred Agbenyo is being given to former Ashanti Regional Youth Organizer Ernest Brogya Genfi.
The two times national youth organizer aspirant will be deputy to Alex Segbefia as Fred Agbenyo is now the parliamentary candidate for SALL in the Volta Region.
One Princess Wurah popularly known on social media as Princess Law and a cousin to former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong has been appointed as the chairperson of the ‘Young Women’s Wing’ of the party.
She was appointed by the Women’s Wing of the party.
She known popularly for campaigning for the two times national Women Organizer of the NDC Hannah Louisa Bisiw.
Source The Anchor’
