BY Daniel Bampoe
Tensions are reportedly mounting within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region following allegations by a group of grassroots activists that Municipal Chief Executive Lydia Ohenewa Sarah has been using financial inducements to influence delegates ahead of the party’s forthcoming constituency executive elections.
The allegations have opened a new front in the internal political contest in Suhum, with some party members accusing the MCE, who also serves as the constituency Women’s Organiser, of allegedly attempting to influence the outcome of the elections in favour of candidates believed to be close to her.
The activists have called on President John Dramani Mahama and the national leadership of the NDC to intervene before the disagreement escalates further.
The concerns were raised at a press conference on Thursday by a group of party activists led by Sammy Bankye, who, together with his supporters, reportedly gathered at the NDC constituency office wearing red bands around their heads to demonstrate their displeasure with the alleged conduct of the MCE.
Addressing the media, Bankye and the other activists questioned the MCE’s conduct in the run-up to the internal elections, arguing that party officials must respect the rules governing the selection of constituency executives and allow delegates to make independent choices without alleged financial inducements.
According to the group, Lydia Ohenewa Sarah has allegedly been moving around the constituency and offering money to delegates to influence their voting decisions in favour of her preferred candidates.
Beyond the bribery allegations, the group also questioned the MCE’s political background and length of service within the NDC, claiming that she joined the party relatively recently before rising to become the constituency
Women’s Organiser and subsequently Municipal Chief Executive.
Bankye and his supporters argued that party leadership positions should be determined through transparent internal democratic processes rather than through the influence of individuals occupying public office.
They warned that alleged attempts to influence delegates could deepen divisions within the constituency and undermine confidence in the party’s internal electoral arrangements at a time when unity is considered important to maintaining the NDC’s political strength.
The activists therefore appealed to President Mahama and the party’s national executives to engage the Suhum leadership, examine the allegations and advise the MCE to refrain from any conduct that could be perceived as interfering with the internal elections.
They further indicated that they had raised concerns about the matter and wanted the party’s leadership to act before the situation deteriorated into a more serious internal confrontation.
Constituency Chairmanship Contest Adds To Tensions
The dispute is unfolding against the background of a competitive contest for positions within the Suhum NDC constituency leadership.
Richard Afasi, identified by the activists as the MCE’s husband, currently serves as the constituency chairman. The group alleged that Lydia Ohenewa Sarah was supporting his political interests and seeking to influence the composition of the next constituency executive team.
The activists also pointed to the contest for the constituency Women’s Organiser position, in which the MCE is reportedly facing competition from Richard Quashigah, identified in the account provided as the current Director of the Suhum National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), alongside other contenders.
The competing interests have reportedly intensified political manoeuvring within the constituency as candidates and their supporters seek to secure the backing of delegates ahead of the internal elections.
Allegations Extend To Contracts And School Feeding Programme
The activists also levelled broader accusations against the MCE, alleging that she had acquired considerable influence over political and administrative activities within the constituency.
They claimed that contracts and opportunities connected to the municipality, including aspects of the school feeding programme, had allegedly been channelled towards people considered close to her.
The group argued that such alleged concentration of influence, if established, could create dissatisfaction among party members who believe opportunities and responsibilities should be distributed fairly.
Call For Presidential And Party Intervention
Bankye and his supporters have urged President John Dramani Mahama and the national leadership of the NDC to intervene in the Suhum situation, arguing that the party’s internal electoral processes must be protected from intimidation, inducement and undue influence.
They called for the party to investigate the allegations, ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and establish conditions under which delegates can vote freely.The group also warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to further agitation within the constituency.
MCE Yet To Respond To Allegations
When contacted for comment at press time, Lydia Ohenewa Sarah reportedly did not answer.
