The contest for the District Chief Executive (DCE) position in Nkwanta North took a dramatic turn as tensions flared among Konkomba youth, leading to a physical altercation over the shortlisted candidates.

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While some supported the final selection, others strongly believed that Konkombas had been unfairly sidelined in the process.

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A total of 14 candidates were shortlisted for DCE positions in the Oti Region, but discontent arose after all 17 Konkomba aspirants were excluded, sparking outrage among a section of the youth.

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Dissatisfied Konkomba youth, backed by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives, accused the vetting committee—led by Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong—of deliberately marginalizing their tribesmen.

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Speaking at a press briefing, Nkwanta North NDC Deputy Communications Officer, Gideon Bilinyi, alleged that Mr. Gyapong intentionally orchestrated the exclusion of Konkomba candidates. He referenced an audio recording in which the minister allegedly downplayed the role of Konkombas in the region, instead favoring Ewes.

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In the leaked recording, Mr. Gyapong was reportedly heard saying, “When discussing Oti, I prioritize Ewes. Should Konkombas be the focus? No, trust the Ewes because they are the majority.” These remarks fueled further outrage, especially after all Konkomba applicants were left out of the selection.

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However, another group defended the vetting process, insisting that the committee conducted an objective assessment and selected the most qualified individuals.

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A spokesperson, Ernest Lagsah, alleged that Nkwanta North MP, John Oti Bless, attempted to pressure the committee into selecting his preferred candidate, but the panel stood firm and refused to be influenced.

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“Hon. John O.K Bless attempted to corrupt the process by compromising on standards laid for the committee. He insisted on his choice; thus, Mr. Anthony Kwesi Ntefui, who performed woefully during the process was included in the list. However, the committee disagreed hence he resorted to inciting his thugs to accuse the Regional Minister of bias against Konkombas”, he said when addressing the press in Kpassa.

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He asserted that all shortlisted candidates were deserving of the position and urged President Mahama to choose the best-suited individual to head the Nkwanta North District.

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“If His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama finds them [shortlisted applicants] worthy, we encourage him to appoint any of them as our District Chief Executive in fulfillment of the provisions of the constitution and his promise to ensure balance in his appointments”, he said.

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Mr. Lagsah recognized the role other ethnic groups in the Oti Region played in securing victory for the NDC and in electing Konkomba representatives for the parliamentary seats of Krachi Nchumuru, Krachi East, and Nkwanta North.

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However, tensions flared during the press briefing, leading to a confrontation that was swiftly diffused by the Chief of Kpassa, Ubor Tassan Konja IV, preventing any escalation into violence.

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Ubor Tassan Konja IV urged both sides to maintain peace and accept President Mahama’s final decision on the district’s leadership.

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“Everyone cannot be DCE, let us support whoever is appointed to occupy the position. What we want is development and progress. I am pleading with you. I don’t want us to experience the repercussions of the tribal conflict in 2012. President Mahama will appoint whoever qualifies to lead us”, he stressed.

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