Fresh cracks appear to be emerging within the ranks of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the circulation of a leaked audio recording in which an NDC constituency youth organizer launches a fierce attack on President John Dramani Mahama and the party leadership over the allocation of slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The recording, which has gained traction on social media and political platforms, captures Oscar Kennedy Nyarko, the NDC Youth Organizer for the Akim Swedru Constituency, expressing deep frustration over what he describes as the party’s failure to adequately reward grassroots members who worked tirelessly to secure victory for the NDC in the 2024 general elections.
Mr. Nyarko, who also serves as Dean of NDC Organizers in the Eastern Region and is reportedly seeking election as Eastern Regional Youth Organizer, accused the party hierarchy of abandoning loyal supporters while reserving opportunities for a select few.
His comments come against the backdrop of a heated national debate over government support for fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Earlier this year, President Mahama publicly explained that the enormous cost associated with transporting and accommodating supporters across the three host countries made it impossible for the government to sponsor large numbers of fans from Ghana.
According to the President, indicatedtes showed that transporting and housing just 200 supporters nearly close to $2 million, making such expenditure difficult to justify amid competing national priorities.
The President therefore announced that government would not use public funds to fly large groups of supporters from Ghana to the tournament. Instead, authorities would explore arrangements that would allow Ghanaians already residing in the host countries to obtain match tickets and support the Black Stars without burdening the national budget.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams similarly defended the government’s position, arguing that limited national resources should be directed toward infrastructure development and sports preparation rather than international travel for supporters.
However, the leaked recording suggests that some party activists remain dissatisfied with the arrangement.
In the audio, Mr. Nyarko alleges that constituency executives were initially led to believe that several party members would be given opportunities connected to the World Cup, but later discovered that allocations were far fewer than expected.
The outspoken youth organizer accuses party leaders of failing to honour loyal grassroots members who sacrificed for the party during difficult periods.
He expresses disappointment that individuals he describes as dedicated party foot soldiers have allegedly been overlooked while others are perceived to be benefiting from opportunities associated with the tournament.
His strongest criticism was directed at President Mahama himself. In the recording, he accuses the President of becoming disconnected from the concerns of grassroots supporters and suggests that the current approach risks alienating party activists ahead of future political contests.
Mr. Nyarko also complained that many party members continue to face economic hardship despite helping the NDC return to power, arguing that expectations among supporters have not been adequately met.
However, he threatened to curse the President and the party members if their demands are not met..
