A group of concerned citizens and stakeholders in the Ayawaso East Municipality have voiced their strong opposition to the exclusion of Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Gedel from the final list of candidates for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
At a press conference held in Nima, the community expressed their deep disappointment with the Regional Vetting Committee’s decision, describing it as an “outrageous error” and a reflection of long-standing systemic failures that have hindered the municipality’s development.
According to the aggrieved residents, the exclusion of Mr. Gedel raises serious concerns about accountability, credibility, and transparency in the selection process. They pointed out that he was shortlisted in a previous vetting process by nearly the same committee, making his sudden omission both questionable and unjustifiable.
“For years, Nima has suffered from a lack of competent leadership in key political positions, leaving our community neglected and devoid of basic amenities. This latest development is a continuation of that trend, and we refuse to accept it,” said a spokesperson for the group.
A Proven Leader Overlooked
Supporters of Mr. Gedel argue that his qualifications and track record make him the most suitable candidate for the position. As a university lecturer and former Technical Advisor on Biometric Systems for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he is credited with playing a crucial role in advancing the party’s electoral strategies during the transition to biometric voting.
Additionally, Mr. Gedel has served in several key political roles, including:
*Former Secretary of Ayawaso East Constituency*
*Constituency Election Director Greater Accra Regional member of the Elections Directorate
Representative to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC)*
His supporters maintain that these credentials uniquely position him to bring transformative leadership to the Ayawaso East Municipality.
*Concerns Over Unqualified Candidates*
Beyond advocating for Mr. Gedel’s inclusion, the concerned citizens also expressed alarm over the qualifications of the candidates who were selected by the vetting committee.
They claim that none of the approved candidates possess the minimum academic qualifications required for the role, with reports suggesting that some do not even hold a Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) certificate.
“We are disgusted by the fact that individuals without the necessary qualifications are being considered for such an important role,” said the spokesperson of the group, Umar Harris. “Nima deserves better. We need a leader who can advocate for our needs and drive development.”
*Call for Presidential Intervention*
The group is now calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that a qualified and credible candidate is appointed as MCE.
They argue that Ghana’s development policies, including the proposed 24-hour economy initiative, can only be realized through competent local government leadership.
“Nima is eager to bridge the development gap with other thriving communities in Ghana. To achieve this, we need a leader with vision, passion, and competence,” they stated. “Mr. Gedel embodies the leadership qualities needed to drive progress in our community.”
The community is also urging security agencies, including the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), to scrutinize the academic credentials and backgrounds of all candidates to ensure the integrity of the selection process.
*A Fight for Justice*
The people of Nima insist they will not rest until Mr. Gedel is given a fair chance to contest for the MCE position. They are demanding transparency and fairness in the vetting process, warning that failure to address their concerns will only deepen their distrust in the system.
“We will continue to speak out and take every necessary step to ensure that justice is served,” they vowed. “Our municipality deserves a competent leader, and we are counting on the president to make the right decision.”
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the presidency and the party leadership to see whether they will heed the calls of the Nima community and reconsider Mr. Gedel’s exclusion.
