Tamale, Ghana: A recent article by journalist and National Democratic Congress (NDC) sympathizer Hashimin Mohammed has sparked discussions about the party’s performance in the Northern Region during the just-ended 2024 elections.
According to Mr. Mohammed, the NDC’s success in securing the majority of parliamentary seats in the region was a significant achievement, given the stiff competition from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
A Hard-Fought Victory
He has described the election as one of the toughest for the NDC in the history of Northern Region politics. He attributed this to the strong influence and resource control of the NPP’s parliamentary candidates, many of whom held powerful government positions.
These included the Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Deputy Transport Minister, Deputy Fisheries Minister, Deputy Roads Minister, the Second Majority Chief Whip, and a Deputy Chief of Staff.
Despite these challenges, the NDC emerged victorious, securing a majority of seats in the region. Hashimin, however, argued that the contributions of the party’s former appointees were not uniform, with only a few making significant efforts to support the campaign.
The article singled out former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu as one of the most visible figures in the NDC’s Northern Region campaign.
According to the former Northern Regional correspondent for Joy FM, Iddrisu’s contributions in terms of logistics and resources played a critical role in countering the influence of the NPP’s well-resourced candidates. His active presence across constituencies reportedly became a source of concern for the ruling party, leading to political attacks against him.
While acknowledging Iddrisu’s efforts, Mohammed Hashimin also noted that informal stakeholders, including businessmen and women, played a crucial role in the party’s electoral success.
However, he argued that the primary responsibility for supporting the campaign should have fallen on former appointees of President John Mahama’s administration, who were expected to use their influence and resources to aid his comeback bid.
Beyond the election results, Mohammed raised concerns about internal divisions within the NDC in the Northern Region. He criticized the lack of unity among party leaders, which he said was preventing the region from effectively lobbying for government appointments and development projects.
He observed that while other regions present a united front when engaging with the presidency, the Northern Region remains fragmented, with leaders prioritizing individual interests over collective progress.
This division, he warned, could negatively impact youth development and reduce opportunities for qualified NDC members to serve in government.
Way Forward
The article concluded with a call for the youth of the NDC in the Northern Region to demand greater unity among their leaders.
Mohammed urged party stakeholders to bridge their differences to ensure that the region receives its fair share of opportunities in the Mahama-led administration.
As the NDC moves forward, internal cohesion and strategic planning will be crucial in maintaining its stronghold in the region and ensuring long-term political success.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
