Concerned Youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale have voiced their concerns about the upcoming Health Walk and Health Screening event featuring Mr. Sharaf Mahama, set for June 29, 2024.
While emphasizing the importance of health initiatives, the youth group is worried that this event could sideline established party structures in favor of familial connections.
In a statement dated June 25, 2024, the group pointed to a historical trend where familial ties have overshadowed party mechanisms, resulting in governance marked by nepotism and cronyism.
They cited past administrations where family members of party leaders took central roles, which they believe undermined party unity and eroded public trust.
“While we recognize the importance of health and unity in our activities, we are increasingly worried about the repetition of a historical pattern where familial connections overshadow and sidestep the established party structures.
Recent activities suggest a dangerous prelude to a governance style marred by nepotism and cronyism, as evidenced by past administrations where family members of party leaders assumed central roles in governance, to the detriment of party unity and the public’s trust” the statement noted.
As a result, they fear that Mr. Sharaf Mahama’s prominent role in this event may signal the start of an era where “family connections to power overshadow the rightful roles of party structures.”
They further articulated concerns about how this could potentially lead to a governance approach that prioritizes a privileged few over the broader membership of the party.
“We call upon Mr. Sharaf Mahama and other party leaders to respect the institutional mechanisms of the NDC and to refrain from actions that could centralize power within a specific familial circle,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that the strength of the NDC lies in its democratic values and the equitable participation of all members, not in the consolidation of power within a select few.
“Together, let’s stand for a party that values every member’s contribution and upholds the principles of fairness and democratic governance,” the statement concluded.