NPP has no moral standing to criticize Northern MMDCEs in Ashanti – Asiedu Nketiah

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party over its stance on MMDCE appointments in the Ashanti Region.

He made the remarks during the second phase of his regional “Thank You” tour in the Asawase constituency, where he addressed a large gathering of party supporters.

The comments come in response to concerns raised by the NPP over the appointment of individuals of Northern descent as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Ashanti Region. The opposition has argued that such appointments do not reflect the cultural and socio-political sensitivities of the area.

However, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah dismissed the claims, describing them as inconsistent and driven by tribal considerations.

“The NPP must stop this double-speak,” he told the crowd. “On one hand, they claim they are a party that rewards merit and hard work regardless of tribe. Yet, they turn around to complain when a competent Ghanaian who happens to be a Northerner is appointed to serve as an MMDCE in the Ashanti Region.”

He further pointed to what he described as a contradiction in the NPP’s political messaging, noting that the party’s flagbearer is also a Northerner seeking to lead the entire country, including the Ashanti Region.

“How can you tell us that a Northerner is not fit to lead a district in the Ashanti Region, yet you are asking the people of the Ashanti Region to vote for your flagbearer, who is a Northerner, to lead the whole of Ghana?” he questioned. “It is either you believe in one Ghana where every citizen can serve anywhere, or you are simply playing tribal politics to hide your lack of a message.”

According to him, the NDC’s governance philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and merit, stressing that competence rather than ethnicity guides appointments.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah urged residents of Asawase and the wider Ashanti Region to reject divisive political narratives and focus on development-oriented leadership. He added that the ongoing tour is aimed at expressing appreciation and reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable development across all regions.

The second phase of the tour is expected to continue across the Ashanti Region, with engagements involving traditional leaders, trade unions, and party supporters.