By Grace Zigah
A controversial wave of appointments by President John Dramani Mahama has drawn sharp criticism from the Asante Defence Force (ADF), a social political group in the Ashanti region, which accuses the government of marginalizing the Asante people by selecting non-indigenes—primarily from northern Ghana—for top local government positions in the Region.
The ADF, a regional advocacy group identifying itself as “The Secret Warriors” of Asanteman, released a strongly worded statement on Wednesday calling on the Mahama administration to immediately revise the list of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) announced for the Ashanti Region.
According to the ADF, most of the nominees for the MMDCE positions are not of Akan descent and lack the deep cultural ties and understanding necessary to lead effectively in one of Ghana’s most influential regions.
The group cites examples of other regions—such as the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Volta regions—where governments, both past and present, have prioritized the appointment of indigenes to local leadership roles.
“Leadership at the district and municipal levels must be rooted in cultural understanding, trust, and familiarity with local issues,” the group said.
“There is no shortage of qualified, committed, and loyal members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) within the Akan and Asante communities who are capable of serving in these roles.”
The ADF lists several appointments it deems problematic, including:
Ibrahim Yamba Nelson Issaka – Ahafo Ano South East
Abubakar Sedik – Ahafo Ano South West
Mba Zacharia Allenbila – Atwima Nwabiagya North
Salifu Issaka – Bekwai
Albert Dakurah- Adansi Asokwa
Gariba Mohammed Mustapha – Adansi Akrofuom
Adwovu Kofi Williams – Obuasi East
Abubakar Sadiq- Tafo
Anwel Sadat Ahmed – Oforikrom
Ben Abdallah Alhassan – Asokore Mampong
Rafiu Adams Seidu – Ejura Sekyedumase
Amo Kemel- Asokwa
Ben Abdallah Alhassan
Rafiu Adam Seidu, Ejura Sekyeredumase
Abubakar Issaka – Sekyere Afram Plains
Ibrahim Adams – Sekyere East
Abdullai Hamidu – Bosomtwe
Emmanuel Jackson Agumah – Effigya Kwabre North
The statement also warned that all Assembly Members in the Ashanti Region should resist voting to confirm the nominees.
“We urge them to stand with their communities and uphold the values and traditions of our people,” the group declared.
Should the government fail to heed their calls, the ADF has threatened to stage a region-wide peaceful protest under the banner “Political Fairness for Akans” and escalate the issue to international diplomatic missions in Ghana.
“We emphasize that our appeal is not a call for ethnic division, but rather a firm stand for fairness, respect, and equity in national governance,” the statement added.
“What is deemed inappropriate in one region should not be imposed on another.”
The ADF claims its opposition is based on principles of equitable representation and cultural identity, not ethnic exclusion.
However, critics may view the language and demands as inflammatory at a time when Ghana’s fragile unity is frequently tested by ethnic and regional sensitivities.
This latest political row adds to growing concerns about local governance structures and national cohesion under the Mahama administration, which has faced increasing scrutiny over appointments, decentralization, and inclusiveness.
