By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Cracks within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency have burst into the open as the Branch Chairman for Island City at Ahenema Kokoben, Rtd. Soldier Solomon Jabari, boldly declared his intention to contest the constituency chairmanship in next year’s internal elections.
The retired military officer’s declaration is not just another political ambition but a direct response to what he describes as deep-rooted division, exclusion and internal failures that have left several branch executives and party members embittered following the 2024 general elections.
Rtd. Jabari made the explosive announcement on Sunday while addressing party executives and members at an end-of-year gathering held at his residence at Ahenema Kokoben, drawing the attention of key regional party figures and grassroots supporters.
Present at the event were the Deputy Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, Hon. Baah Acheamfour; the Oforikrom Constituency Youth Organiser and Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Emmanuel Reagan Fynn; alongside other regional executives.
Speaking with visible concern in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines, Solomon Jabari blamed his decision to enter the race on what he termed “unpleasant developments” within the constituency, including persistent backbiting, mistrust and lack of cohesion among party leaders.
According to him, tensions that characterized the relationship between the NDC parliamentary candidate and the constituency chairman during the 2024 elections reflected a leadership failure that weakened the party’s performance and image.
“What we witnessed was unhealthy and damaging to the party,” he said.
Breaking further silence, the retired officer disclosed that many branch executives feel deliberately sidelined and excluded from key constituency-level activities, a situation he said has created frustration and resentment among the grassroots.
Rtd. Jabari revealed that his role as security liaison officer during the 2024 general elections exposed him to serious organizational lapses that left him “shocked” and convinced that urgent leadership change was needed.
In one of the most damning revelations, he claimed that the current District Chief Executive (DCE) does not personally know most branch executives in the constituency, blaming poor coordination and leadership at the constituency level.
“Ideally, the constituency chairman should have brought all branch executives together and officially introduced them to the DCE. This has not been done,” he stated.
He argued that the failure to address these challenges has deepened divisions within the party and weakened trust among its grassroots base.
Positioning himself as a unifier, Solomon Jabari pledged to restore confidence, inclusiveness and discipline within the Atwima Kwanwoma NDC if elected constituency chairman.
“The party needs healing, unity and effective leadership. That is what I stand for,” he assured supporters.
The gathering, which doubled as a Christmas celebration and thanksgiving service, also provided a moment of reflection and appreciation, as party members thanked God for protection throughout the year.
Outstanding executives and members who demonstrated exceptional dedication to the party’s growth were recognized and rewarded, even as the political undertone of the event signaled the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely contested constituency chairmanship race.
With emotions running high and grievances now laid bare, all eyes are on Atwima Kwanwoma as the battle for control of the NDC’s constituency leadership gathers momentum.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
