A fire tore through the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency office in Talensi, Upper East Region, at about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5.

The blaze came just hours after John Millim Naabwomya was announced as the party’s nominee for District Chief Executive (DCE).

Eyewitnesses believe the timing of the attack is no coincidence, pointing to growing unrest among some party supporters over Naabwomya’s nomination. Detractors argue that he lacks grassroots support and accuse the party of selecting him based on his perceived loyalty to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Nanlebegtang Kugbilsong.

Further controversy surrounds Naabwomya’s alleged ties to Chinese mining companies. Some residents worry his leadership could prioritize foreign mining interests at the expense of local communities.

Opposition to his nomination had already been formally documented in January 2025, when a petition was submitted to the NDC’s regional leadership. The identities of those behind the arson remain unknown.