A group of concerned citizens and stakeholders in the Ayawaso East Municipality have strongly opposed 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 in Nima, the residents expressed deep disappointment with the Regional Vetting Committee’s decision, calling it an “outrageous error” that reflects systemic failures that have long hindered the municipality’s development.
The aggrieved residents questioned the credibility and transparency of the selection process, arguing that Mr. Gedel’s sudden omission was unjustifiable. They noted that he had previously been shortlisted in an earlier vetting process by nearly the same committee, making his exclusion highly suspicious.
“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,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
Supporters of Mr. Gedel argue that his qualifications and leadership experience make him the ideal candidate for the role. He is a university lecturer and a former Technical Advisor on Biometric Systems for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where he played a crucial role in advancing the party’s electoral strategies during Ghana’s transition to biometric voting.
Additionally, Mr. Gedel has held several key political positions, 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 believe his experience and track record in governance and electoral processes position him as a transformative leader for the Ayawaso East Municipality.
Beyond advocating for Mr. Gedel’s inclusion, the concerned citizens also raised alarm over the qualifications of those who made the final list. They claim that none of the approved candidates meet the minimum academic requirements for the role, with some reportedly lacking even a Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) qualification.
“We are disgusted by the fact that individuals without the necessary qualifications are being considered for such an important role,” said Umar Harris, spokesperson for the group. “Nima deserves better. We need a leader who can advocate for our needs and drive development.”
The group has called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that a qualified and competent leader is appointed as MCE. They argue that the government’s development initiatives, including the proposed 24-hour economy policy, can only succeed with strong 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 these qualities and is the right person for the job.”
They also urged 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.
The residents insist they will not back down until Mr. Gedel is given a fair chance to contest for the MCE position. They are demanding transparency and fairness in the vetting process and warned that failure to address their concerns will only deepen public 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 party leadership to see whether they will heed the calls of the Nima community and reconsider Mr. Gedel’s exclusion.
