Uneasy Calm In Volta Region NDC

As time draws closer to the change-making elections in the Volta Region from the constituency to the regional level, a moment of reservedness seems to have settled on die-hard party members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Delegates in the political playing field of the party in the region are keeping their cards close to their chests. While this may not be surprising, the Daily Graphic has learnt that reasons for this political reclusion may have deeper roots than one could imagine. Neglect Disappointment, lack of recognition, ingratitude, used-and-dumped, as well as exclusion, are the few terms that could be used to describe the situation of some die-hards of the NDC in the Volta Region. For a region that is well known to be the �World Bank� of the NDC, this situation may be a problem for the party, unless practical actions are taken. Key among the decisions that should be taken to address the seeming falling level of camaraderie within the ranks of the �World Bank� is the kind of persons that are chosen to lead the party. This reporter visited the region at the weekend to attend a funeral where some power brokers within the regional and constituency levels of the party were present but attempts to elicit information from them for a write-up became a battle. Discontent Non-verbal communication was prominent. Facial expressions spoke volumes. Heaves and sighs showed discontent. Loud silence and indifference pointed to a clear dissatisfaction and indignation at the state of affairs within the region. When three of the power brokers finally decided to open up, it was on condition of anonymity, saying they preferred having their opinions to be kept secret. The three expressed similar sentiments, which bordered on the neglect of grass-roots activists of the party after winning the 2012 elections. According to them, after the last elections, a gap had been created between the regional executive members and the local branches of the party. Communication gap The strong communication that existed at all levels of the party which culminated in their victory, they said, had vanished. The regional executive members were not working to solve challenges confronting those at the grass roots, thereby creating animosity between the two sides. �We worked tirelessly to win all the seats in the region for the President and the party, including the one held by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Nkwanta North but after all this hard work, we have been neglected,� one of them fumed. When asked what line of action they would be taking, they said elections were around the corner and they were prepared to vote for persons who would champion their cause and take up their case with the national office so they would know what was happening on the ground. �We need regional leaders who can tell the national what is going on at the grass roots that we are not happy. That we have been neglected for far too long,� another said. Prospective nominees Meanwhile, information gathered by the Daily Graphic indicated that five persons are tipped to contest the incumbent Regional Chairman, Mr Kwasi Aboagye, even though they are yet to pick nomination forms. They are Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, popularly called Gyapong Kudjo, who contested the last election and lost by 11 votes to the incumbent. The rest are Mr Kosi Kedem, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe South, Dr Kwame Ampofo, a former MP for South Dayi and former Chief Executive Officer of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Captain George Nfojoh (retd), a former MP for Ho Central, and one Mr Mawutor Agbavitor. Regional elections are slated for September but the Actual dates are yet to be fixed.