Kpandai DCE Tensions: ‘Real Concerned NDC Youth’ Dismiss Protests, Call for Unity

A group calling itself the Real Concerned Youth of the NDC has strongly criticized a recent press conference held by a rival faction, the Concerned and Aggrieved Youth of the NDC, over the delayed appointment of a District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kpandai.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, April 21, at the party’s constituency office in Kpandai, the Real Concerned Youth clarified that their mission is not to attack but to promote party unity and protect the values of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the area.

Led by Janfour Benipoumchie, the group emphasized that the authority to appoint a DCE lies solely with the President. “The President has the right to select any competent, loyal party member from the shortlisted candidates, if he deems them fit,” Benipoumchie said.

He recounted that 17 NDC members initially applied for the position, yet only three names made it to the final shortlist. “The 14 others and their supporters did not revolt. They showed discipline, maturity, and respect for due process. Why then are a few now creating unrest?” he questioned.

The group condemned inflammatory remarks made by the aggrieved faction, describing the use of terms such as “weak,” “unpopular,” or “smuggled” as divisive and disrespectful. “Every aspirant is a true party member with a history of service. Disparaging any of them weakens the party and plays into our opponents’ hands,” Benipoumchie stated.

They also took a firm stance against the verbal attack on the Constituency Chairman, Mr. Kwame Bawa—also known as “Who Knows”—during the earlier protest. According to the Real Concerned Youth, disagreements should be handled with decorum, not insults or calls for resignation.

“The accusation that the Chairman has betrayed the constituency is baseless. The party is not about individual interests. Threats to the President that the NDC in Kpandai will be ‘dead and buried’ if a specific person is not chosen are reckless, especially coming from people who couldn’t even win their own polling station,” the group argued.

They reassured the party’s regional and national leadership that the Real Concerned Youth represents the majority in Kpandai and urged leaders not to be swayed by “a few loud voices.”

In closing, the group expressed confidence in the party’s strength and direction in the district. They called for the appointment of a DCE aligned with President John Mahama’s vision—someone capable of advancing development in Kpandai, regardless of whether they were on the original shortlist.

They also threw their full support behind the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, praising the party’s thoughtful handling of the DCE appointment process so far.