As President John Mahama’s government takes shape, frustration is mounting in the Ashaiman constituency of the Greater Accra Region.
Disgruntled youth in the area feel marginalised despite their unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since 1992.
Their disappointments have piled up to the point where they are now accusing the party of neglecting their interests.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, a group of aggrieved supporters stormed the office of constituency chairman Shaddad Umar Jallo, burnt car tyres, and broke glass doors to express their displeasure.
Reports indicate they initially planned to protest against President Mahama and block traffic on the Accra-Tema motorway.
However, party leadership in the constituency intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
Despite efforts to pacify them, the youth insisted they would no longer accept empty promises.
Presiding Member of the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, Godwin Twumasi, called on the national leadership to act swiftly, warning of further unrest.
“We have become a laughing stock. Our friends in the NPP question why we continue supporting the NDC when we are repeatedly left out of appointments,” he lamented.
Mr. Twumasi noted that the only significant appointment Ashaiman has received was Alfred Kwame Agbeshie’s role as 2nd Majority Leader in Parliament.
He attributed the growing frustration to unfulfilled campaign promises by President Mahama.
“President Mahama pledged to appoint someone from Ashaiman and fix our poor road network. Until these promises are kept, it will be difficult to rally support for 2028,” he emphasised.
Twumasi clarified that the appointment does not necessarily have to be their MP.
“Any competent person from Ashaiman in a significant role would help address this issue,” he added.
With tensions rising, 2nd Deputy Constituency Youth Organiser Regina Agbagba urged President Mahama to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
“The youth have made it clear that our MP, Ernest Norgbey, has worked tirelessly, helping the NDC secure over 69,000 votes in the 2024 elections.
“Beyond President Mahama, key figures like Sammy Gyamfi, Ato Forson, Kwame Agbodza, and Asiedu Nketia also made similar promises,” she recounted.
Expressing her frustration, she questioned Ashaiman’s role in the party.
“Are we only good for demonstrations? Is that all we are valued for? The success achieved here was through sweat and blood, with sleepless nights and sacrifices. Ashaiman deserves better,” she declared.
Deputy Women’s Organiser Beatrice Esinam Agbeko Teye praised party executives for preventing a more severe crisis.
“We can only urge our constituents to remain calm. They want Ashaiman’s contributions recognised, and we trust in the president’s decision,” she said.
Meanwhile, Constituency Organiser Mark Apetor noted that beyond seeking appointments, many youths are also demanding employment opportunities, particularly in local factories.
Despite efforts by party executives to ease tensions, fears persist that the youth may soon run out of patience.
The police have since stepped in to maintain peace in Ashaiman.