Atiwa East NDC members reject DCE nominee over mismanagement, illegal mining allegation

A group identifying itself as concerned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Atiwa East District has publicly voiced its strong objections to the potential appointment of Mr. Ernest Owusu Ntim as the District Chief Executive (DCE).

In an open letter addressed to key government officials and the NDC national leadership, the group detailed allegations of mismanagement, lack of accountability, and involvement in illegal mining, claiming these behaviors render Mr. Ntim unsuitable for the position.

The letter, copies of which have been sent to this media outlet, alleges a severe lack of participatory democracy within the constituency party under Mr. Ntim's chairmanship.

"The lack of accountability under his stewardship has hindered participatory democracy in the Constituency Party and has stifled its electoral fortunes," the letter stated.

Specific accusations outlined in the letter include:

• Lack of accountability

• Disregard for party structures

• Financial mismanagement

• Weak and inactive branches, etc.

Perhaps the most damaging accusation is Mr. Ntim's alleged involvement in illegal mining.

The letter states: "The chairman's deep involvement in illegal mining in the constituency is a well-known fact. Although he has been a three-term chairman of the party, such behavior is unacceptable for the high standards of our Party. We suggest that such behavior should not be rewarded with an appointment as DCE."

The group argues that such behavior creates a negative image for the NDC within the Atiwa East constituency and should disqualify Mr. Ntim from consideration for the DCE position.

Read their full petition below:

Concerned Elders of the NDC Party

Atiwa East Constituency

Anyinam – Eastern Region

4th April, 2025

The President

Jubilee House

Accra

Dear Mr. President,

Petition Letter Against Mr. Ernest Owusu Ntim (Atiwa East NDC Chairman) Not to Be Appointed as the District Chief Executive of Atiwa East District

We, the undersigned concerned elders of the NDC Party in the Atiwa East Constituency, write this petition to the President with great hesitancy and a heavy heart. We are not at ease with writing this petition for the mere sake of it, but what has to be done, has to be done.

It concerns Mr. Ernest Owusu Ntim, who holds the position of Chairman of the NDC in the Atiwa East Constituency and is one of the candidates being considered for appointment as the District Chief Executive of Atiwa East District.

He has been the Chairman of the NDC in Atiwa East Constituency since 2014. The petition against him is anchored on four key concerns. Firstly, he has supervised the party during a period of slow growth in terms of membership and abysmal electoral performance.

Secondly, his over-authoritative approach to leadership has resulted in divisiveness among the rank and file of the party in the constituency. Thirdly, the lack of accountability under his stewardship has hindered participatory democracy within the Constituency Party and stifled its electoral fortunes.

Finally, his deep involvement in illegal mining has created a bad image for the party.

We have summarized the particulars in support of each of these concerns below:

Supervision of the Constituency Party: Under Mr. Ntim’s leadership, the party has recorded limited growth in membership and disappointing electoral outcomes during each election cycle.

Documented membership of the party, as captured in the branch registers, supports this claim (see the over 70 branch registers). A cursory review of these registers reveals the following: low enrolment of new members and a high death rate among ageing members.

In cases where new members have been recruited, they are not committed to the cause of the party, don’t believe in its ideals, and are mainly used to further the interests of selected party executives during internal elections (see the attached letter addressed to the then General Secretary of the NDC dated 25th October 2022).

This has had a detrimental effect on the party's electoral performance during each election cycle, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Election Results of the NDC in Atiwa East Constituency

2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024

Presidential Results

6618 | 5320 | 7536 | 8236

Parliamentary Results

6480 | 4962 | 6495 | 5334

Source: Electoral Commission of Ghana

Leadership Style: Mr. Ntim's over-authoritative and often abrasive approach to leadership has caused divisiveness among party members. Before and since becoming chairman in 2014, he has clashed with some elders, old executives, and critics of his leadership style. These members have had to consistently face his irrational behavior.

His lack of basic manners when engaging with people who disagree with him and his inability to foster collaboration and unity have led to numerous petitions to regional and national levels of the party. The Alex Segbefia committee could not resolve the concerns of these members, resulting in legal action (see the attached court order).

The true state of the constituency party is one of divisiveness, disillusionment, and lack of direction. This has translated into poor election results.

Lack of Accountability: Under Mr. Ntim’s leadership, the constituency party has suffered from a lack of accountability. Decisions are made unilaterally, and party branches are weak, inactive, and in some cases, non-existent. Regular meetings are not held at various levels, and funds sent from National for party activities often end up in the chairman’s pocket. Membership views are rarely solicited on key issues.

The absence of a free and transparent membership drive and the failure to conduct fair elections for new branch executives have contributed to the party’s difficulties, culminating in court actions before the 2024 general election.

Illegal Mining: Mr. Ntim's involvement in illegal mining in the constituency is well-known. Despite being a three-term chairman of the party, such behavior is unacceptable for the high standards of our Party. This is the most damaging accusation against him, and we believe it should disqualify him from being appointed as DCE.

It is for these reasons that we believe appointing Mr. Ernest Owusu Ntim as District Chief Executive of Atiwa East District would not be beneficial for the District or the Party. We urge the appointing authority to carefully consider these concerns when making the final decision.

Yours sincerely,

cc:

The Chairman,

National Vetting Committee of Candidates for Appointment as MMDCEs

Local Government Institute

Madina, Accra

The Vice President

Jubilee House

Accra

The Chief of Staff

Jubilee House

Accra

The Hon. Minister

Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs

Accra

Senior Advisor on Governance

Jubilee House