A group of concerned citizens and stakeholders of the Ayawaso East Municipality has condemned the exclusion of Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Gedel from the final shortlist of candidates for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). At a press conference held at Frankies Hotel in Nima, the group expressed outrage over what they described as a flawed and unfair vetting process.
According to the group, the decision by the Regional Vetting Committee to omit Mr. Gedel—despite his academic credentials and political experience—raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and fairness in the selection process.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
Addressing the media, the spokesperson for the group criticized the vetting process as inconsistent and lacking credibility.
“We are compelled to demand explanations from the Regional Vetting Committee regarding the omission of Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Gedel’s name from the final list. This is the same committee that had previously shortlisted him, making their latest decision highly questionable,” the spokesperson stated.
They argued that the people of Ayawaso East deserve visionary leadership that prioritizes development, and Mr. Gedel, a respected university lecturer and seasoned political figure, is the most qualified candidate to bring transformative leadership to the municipality.
Concerns Over the Selected Candidates
The group did not mince words in expressing dissatisfaction with the individuals who made it onto the final shortlist. They alleged that none of the selected candidates possessed the minimum academic qualifications required for the position.
“It is shocking and unacceptable that none of the selected candidates even hold an SSCE certificate. Leadership at the municipal level requires competence, strategic thinking, and a sound academic background. The people of Nima know each other very well, and we can confidently say that Mr. Gedel is the most competent and qualified candidate for the job,” the group asserted.
They further called on the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the security checks committee to conduct thorough investigations into the academic records of all shortlisted candidates to ensure credibility in the selection process.
The Need for Strong Leadership in Ayawaso East
The concerned citizens emphasized that effective municipal leadership is crucial to implementing government policies and special initiatives such as the proposed 24-hour economy policy. They stressed that without a capable MCE, economic growth, job creation, and infrastructural development in Nima would be severely hampered.
“For far too long, our municipality has suffered from poor leadership, resulting in a lack of basic amenities and economic opportunities. We need a leader who can champion the interests of the people and bring tangible development,” they stated.
Appeal to the President for Intervention
The group called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to personally intervene in the matter to ensure that justice is served in the selection of the Ayawaso East MCE. They reminded the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of the importance of appointing a credible and competent leader who aligns with the party’s core values of development, fairness, and integrity.
“As a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the people of Nima expect leadership that reflects the values of social justice and equal opportunities. However, the current state of our municipality does not reflect these values. We urge the President to take immediate action to restore fairness in this selection process,” the spokesperson said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for a fair and credible process, vowing not to relent until the right candidate—Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Gedel