As President John Mahama’s administration takes shape, tensions are rising in the Ashaiman constituency of the Greater Accra Region.

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Disgruntled youth in the area, who have consistently backed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since 1992, feel sidelined and accuse the party of exploiting their loyalty without tangible benefits.

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On Thursday, a group of angry protesters stormed the office of constituency chairman Shaddad Umar Jallo, setting tires ablaze and smashing glass doors in a dramatic display of their frustration.

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Sources suggest that the youth had initially planned to stage a protest against President Mahama and obstruct traffic on the Accra-Tema motorway. However, local party leaders intervened just in time to defuse tensions and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

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Despite these efforts, the aggrieved youth remain resolute, insisting they will no longer be placated by empty promises.

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Godwin Twumasi, Presiding Member of the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, has called on the party’s national leadership to act swiftly, cautioning that failure to address their grievances could lead to further unrest.

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“We have become a laughing stock. Our friends and neighbours in the NPP keep questioning our motivation for supporting the NDC when we are constantly left out during appointments,” he lamented.

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Mr Twumasi highlighted that the only notable appointment Ashaiman has received is Alfred Kwame Agbeshie’s role as the 2nd Majority Leader in Parliament.

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He pointed to President Mahama’s campaign promises as the root of the growing frustration.

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“President Mahama promised to appoint someone from Ashaiman and to fix our deplorable road network. Until these promises are fulfilled, we don’t know how to convince the masses for 2028,” he stressed.

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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZ5GXEzz-Bg

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Mr Twumasi stated that appointing someone from Ashaiman does not necessarily have to be their MP. “Anyone competent enough in any role will help settle this,” he added.

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With tensions rising, the 2nd Deputy Constituency Youth Organizer, Regina Agbagba, called on President Mahama to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

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“The youth have made it clear that our MP, Ernest Norgbey, has worked tirelessly, helping the NDC secure over 69,000 votes in the 2024 elections.

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"Apart from President Mahama, Sammy Gyamfi, Ato Forson, Kwame Agbodza, Asiedu Nketia, and others made the same promise,” she recounted.

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Expressing her frustration, she questioned Ashaiman’s role in the party. “Are we only good for demonstrations? Is that all we can do?

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"The success the party attained here was by sweat and blood, with sleepless nights and lives put on the line. Ashaiman deserves better,” she cried.

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Deputy Women’s Organizer, Beatrice Esinam Agbeko Teye, credited party executives for preventing what could have been a more troubling situation.

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“We can only ask our constituents to remain calm. They want Ashaiman’s contribution to be recognised, and we trust in the president’s decision,” she said.

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