A violent confrontation broke out at the Northern Regional delegates conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana after the declaration of results for the position of Regional Treasurer. Mohammed Suhuyini Sulemana was declared the winner with 298 votes, defeating his closest contender, Alhassan Osman Gomda, who polled 292 votes. The narrow margin of six votes sparked dissatisfaction among supporters of Mr. Gomda, leading to a tense situation at the conference venue.
The disagreement disrupted the declaration process as some supporters questioned the outcome of the election. The situation escalated, resulting in the destruction of chairs and tables, while security personnel reportedly beat some of the agitated supporters. One person was arrested, while others fled the scene to avoid arrest. The declaration process was suspended for about five minutes before calm was restored and proceedings continued.
Despite the chaos, other election results were announced. Godfred Apasinaba Wumbei has been elected the Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC after securing 328 votes. He defeated his closest contender, Tanko Maida, who polled 236 votes, while Abdul-Hamid Alhassan Gbewaa came third with 27 votes. The election of the Regional Chairman was conducted without any reported incidents.
In the contest for Regional Secretary, Prof. Abukari Wumbei secured 317 votes to defeat Abdallah Baba Abukari, who polled 272 votes. Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa also won the Deputy Regional Secretary position with 295 votes, beating Salim Abubakari, who polled 164 votes. The elections for these positions were also conducted peacefully.
Other elected executives include Sadik Mohammed, Vice Chairman; Majeed Zakaria, Organiser; Mohammed Abdul Rahman, Deputy Organiser; Mohammed Mashud Abiola, Deputy Treasurer; Abdallah Abu-Safianu, Deputy Communications Officer; and Mumuni Mohammed, Zongo Caucus representative. The elected officials will play a crucial role in the NDC's operations in the Northern Region.
The incident highlights the intense competition and emotions that often accompany internal party elections. The NDC's leadership will likely be scrutinized for its handling of the situation and its efforts to maintain party unity in the region. An investigation into the incident may be conducted to determine the causes of the violence and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Daily Graphic reported on the incident, citing sources close to the conference. The NDC's Northern Regional leadership has yet to comment on the incident and the implications for the party's future. The party's national leadership will likely be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the region's NDC chapter remains stable and functional.
Key points
- One person was arrested following the violence at the Northern NDC conference.
- Mohammed Suhuyini Sulemana won the Regional Treasurer position with 298 votes.
- Godfred Apasinaba Wumbei was elected Regional Chairman with 328 votes.
