Source:tolonradio.com/Abdul Shakun Omae
The race for the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) position is heating up as political stakeholders voice concerns over internal party dynamics within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern Region. A recent Facebook post by Hon. Hardi Pagazaa, former NDC Deputy Communications Officer and former Assembly Member for Wamali Electoral Area, has sparked discussions about factionalism and favoritism in political appointments.
Hardi Pagazaa, a well-known political figure in the region, took to social media to clarify his stance on intra-party camps. He emphasized that during his campaign rounds across the Northern Region and Kintampo North, he acted independently and was not aligned with any particular faction within the party. “I do not belong to any camp whatsoever,” he stated, adding that his campaign activities were solely documented on his personal Facebook page. He acknowledged the support of grassroots party members, whom he described as his true base, while maintaining that he received no backing from any party leadership or faction.
His post appears to be a direct response to concerns raised by Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu, a U.S.-based Ghanaian economist, who criticized what he described as “Dagbon mafia tactics” in NDC appointments. Dr. Iddrisu highlighted that multiple teams, including the Alhaji Fuzak team, Hon. Haruna team, Alhaji Hudu Yahaya/N5 team, and Chairman Yellowman team, worked tirelessly to deliver the Northern Region for the NDC. However, he lamented that almost all the presidential appointments from the region had been awarded to individuals from Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s camp.
Dr. Iddrisu warned that such trends could demoralize party supporters in the Northern Region, leading many to withdraw from active campaigning in future elections. He called on the party’s appointment committee to review its processes to ensure fair representation across the various factions that contributed to the NDC’s electoral success.
Hardi Pagazaa’s statement reflects a broader frustration among NDC members who feel sidelined despite their contributions. As he eyes the Tamale MCE position, his public declaration of neutrality may be an attempt to rally grassroots support while distancing himself from intra-party conflicts. He remains optimistic, calling for calm and continuous prayers, stating, “Allah Almighty is the Kingmaker. HE shall name the next mayor of Tamale.”
The unfolding developments highlight growing discontent within the NDC in the Northern Region. With party unity at stake, how the leadership addresses these grievances may determine the NDC’s electoral fortunes in the next general election. For now, all eyes remain on the appointment process and whether it will reflect a balanced representation of the various factions that worked to secure victory for the party.
