Tensions are escalating within the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra Region over allegations against the Regional Chairman, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore.
Accusations of aggression and assault by Moore have prompted a group of constituency women organisers to petition the National Executive Council (NEC), demanding immediate action.
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, over forty constituency women organisers submitted a petition to the NEC, accusing Moore of persistent chauvinistic and bigoted actions. The petitioners allege that Moore has displayed male aggression and threatened assault against several leading women in the party.
The petition details three instances of alleged sexist behavior, including verbal abuse and threats. “Apart from other alleged misconduct of the Regional Chairman since he took office, some of which have been reported in the media, he is repeatedly displaying tendencies of a misogynist,” the petition states.
One significant incident cited occurred during the 2022 National Congress of the Party, where Moore allegedly called the Deputy Regional Secretary, Madam Patricia Akuyea Addy, a prostitute and attempted to assault her.
This outburst reportedly happened after Addy questioned Moore’s attempt to usurp the powers of the Regional Secretary by seizing accreditation tags meant for party delegates. Despite calls for him to withdraw the disparaging words and apologize, Moore remained defiant and faced no repercussions.
Further incidents include an episode at the party headquarters, where Moore is accused of attempting to assault Madam Obuobia Darko Opoku, the Deputy National Communications Director of the party and a member of the NDC 2024 campaign.
The petitioners recount Moore’s maniacal behavior, calling her unprintable names and referring to her as an ‘ashawo.’
The most recent alleged abuse, which spurred the petition, involved Moore’s behavior towards the Regional Women Organizer, Madam Felicia Merkpoi Bortey.
On July 9, 2024, during a meeting of the Greater Accra Regional Executive Committee, Moore reportedly hurled insults at Bortey, threatening to beat her up and once again calling her an ‘ashawo.’
The petitioners emphasize the urgency of addressing Moore’s conduct, highlighting the strategic importance of the Greater Accra Region in the upcoming 2024 elections.
They stress that Moore’s behavior undermines the confidence and effectiveness of the women’s wing of the party, which is crucial for their electoral success.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for a Regional Chairman to wear this dishonourable badge of misogynism in a critical region like Greater Accra. Even though he may have a record as an ‘abuser of women,’ once he has assumed the role of Regional Chairman, his conduct must reflect the ethics of that noble office. Against this backdrop, we request that your outfit act swiftly to call the Regional Chairman to order,” the petition reads.
The women organisers also express concern about the broader implications of Moore’s behavior, urging the NEC to take decisive action to maintain the party’s democratic credentials and ensure a respectful and supportive environment for all members.