By Issah Olegor
President John Mahama’s nominee for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly, Faustina Akeyom Abulu, has been overwhelmingly rejected by assembly members, who have raised serious concerns over her qualifications, conduct, and the transparency of the nomination process.
During a confirmation vote held on April 29, 2025, Abulu, who also serves as the Navrongo Central Constituency Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), garnered only 14 votes out of the 50 cast.
The remaining 36 votes—representing 72%—were against her confirmation, dealing a decisive blow to her appointment.
At a press conference on May 5, appointed assembly members from the municipality laid bare their reasons for rejecting Abulu, citing a blend of professional, procedural, and personal deficiencies.
Chief among their grievances were claims of unprofessional conduct, lack of the requisite qualifications for the role, and allegations of political manipulation in the nomination process.
Assembly members accused Abulu of displaying arrogance, disrespect towards colleagues, and fostering division rather than unity during her engagement with the assembly.
They pointed to what they described as a “sense of entitlement” and noted that her approach alienated key stakeholders whose support was crucial for a successful confirmation.
“We found her conduct unbecoming of someone aspiring to such a high office. She prioritized conflict over consensus and ignored constructive feedback.
That behavior undermines trust and leadership,” one assembly member stated.
The controversy surrounding Abulu’s nomination has roots in the internal processes of the NDC itself.
According to the assembly members, she failed the regional-level selection interview and was not recommended among the top two candidates from the constituency.
However, her name appeared on the final nomination list just a day before it was made public—an action the members allege was orchestrated by influential party figures behind the scenes.
“This is a clear case of political favoritism. Her nomination contradicts the party’s own vetting outcomes, and that erodes faith in the system,” another member added.
Critics also highlighted that Abulu’s academic and professional background falls short of the expectations for an MCE.
They questioned her ability to effectively chair key municipal committees such as the Executive Committee and the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), and doubted her communication skills and administrative competence.
“She lacks the capacity to lead at this level. An MCE must not only be competent but must inspire confidence among stakeholders,” the assembly members emphasized.
Adding to the political fallout, the rejection was reportedly met with celebration across parts of the municipality.
The Local NDC supporters and party members expressed relief over the outcome, suggesting broad-based dissatisfaction with the nominee among the grassroots.
This development adds to a growing sense of frustration within local political structures, where communities feel increasingly sidelined in high-level appointment.
The assembly membeappointmentsce called on the President and the leadership of the NDC to consult more meaningfully with the grassroots and to prioritize merit and competence in future nominations.
They cautioned that continued disregard for local voices could jeopardize the party’s credibility and electoral fortunes in the Kassena-Nankana area.
