-BY Issah Olegor
A violent clash erupted at the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly in Accra after Municipal Chief Executive nominee Alfred Gaisie failed to secure confirmation, receiving only 10 out of 17 votes.
The tension flared as some of Gaisie’s supporters, angered by the outcome, verbally and physically assaulted several assembly members.
This incident is the latest in a series of heated disputes over nominations in various assemblies.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict at the Korle Klottey Assembly is not an isolated incident. Similar disputes have been reported in other assemblies, including the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, where President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee for Municipal Chief Executive, Michael Mensah, was rejected.
Mensah garnered only 9 out of 19 votes, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for confirmation. The atmosphere was tense, with verbal clashes between supporters and opponents of the nominee.
Other Assembly Disputes
In the Upper Manya Krobo Assembly, the election of a Presiding Member was also marred by controversy.
The vote for Daniel Angmor Tettey ended with 23 yes votes and 25 no votes, resulting in the assembly’s failure to elect a Presiding Member for the second time.
Claims of NDC and NPP-aligned nominations further complicated the process.
Internal NDC Dispute
Meanwhile, within the NDC, a group of ward and branch executives in the Lower Manya Krobo Constituency are demanding the immediate withdrawal of Municipal Chief Executive nominee, John Atter Matey.
The group described Matey’s nomination as a betrayal of loyalty and long service to the party, criticizing the president and national leadership for disregarding the democratic will of the grassroots.
Reaction from Traditional Leaders
In a related development, the Chief of Apirede in the Okere District, Okogyeahene Otoamfom Saforo Okoampah III, has clarified that the people are ready to work with any candidate appointed by President Mahama as the District Chief Executive.
The chief denied endorsing any candidate, specifically Prince Henry Anim-Owiredu, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Okere in the 2024 election.
