Concerned Youth of Kaleo condemn “Divisive” comments in DCE confirmation process

The Concerned Youth of the Kaleo-Traditional Area have condemned what they describe as “divisive, discriminatory, and dangerous” remarks made during the ongoing process to confirm Madam Mary Haruna, President John Dramani Mahama’s District Chief Executive (DCE) nominee for the Nadowli-Kaleo District.

Mr David Jawara Banye, the Acting President of the Concerned Youth of Kaleo Traditional Are at a press conference held in Kaleo called for calm, unity, and a return to the principles of fairness and competence in political appointments.

The statement comes in response to a circulating audio message, reportedly made by an Assembly Member during the DCE nomination process, which the youth say incites tribal and sectional tensions between the Kaleo and Nadowli Traditional Areas.

The group called on the NDC's regional and constituency executives to condemn the Assembly Member's comments.

They also accused the Nadowli Kaleo NDC Constituency Chairman, Sombawiera Samba-Sankara of campaigning against the confirmation of the President’s DCE nominee.

Madam Mary Haruna, President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee for District Chief Executive (DCE) of Nadowli Kaleo, was rejected by assembly members in a decisive vote held at the district assembly hall.

The nominee secured 24 votes in favour but was outweighed by 28 votes against, failing to obtain the required majority for confirmation.

With 52 votes cast, her loss in the first round of voting means she is ineligible for a second round under the current regulations.

Controversy had trailed her nomination even before the vote. Madam Mary was not among the three applicants initially recommended by the regional vetting committee to the national level.

This raised concerns within some ranks of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with certain members accusing the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin, of influencing the nomination process—an allegation another faction of the NDC has strongly denied, demanding proof from the accusers.

“This press conference has become necessary because of the serious threat these comments pose to the peace and unity of our district. No individual or group holds a monopoly over political leadership or government appointments in the Nadowli-Kaleo District,” Mr Banye said.

The youth expressed disappointment over attempts to sideline qualified individuals based on ethnicity, community background, or political affiliation. Mr Banye emphasized that political leadership must be based on competence, loyalty, long-standing service, and commitment to the area's development.

“We condemn in the strongest terms all comments and actions that promote tribalism, sectionalism, and hate in the selection of the DCE,” he declared.

The group called on President John Dramani Mahama and other appointing authorities to remain firm and ensure the selection process prioritizes merit over partisan interest. They also urged traditional leaders, constituency executives, and other political actors to act responsibly and in the interest of peace and development.

“We are ready to support leadership that reflects fairness and inclusivity, but we will resist—peacefully and lawfully—any attempt to marginalize or discriminate against any part of our community,” Banye warned.

He emphasized the historical unity between the Kaleo and Nadowli people and urged the people of Nadowli to publicly denounce the divisive remarks made in the controversial audio by the Assembly Member.

He emphasized the historical unity between the Kaleo and Nadowli people and urged the people of Nadowli to publicly denounce the divisive remarks made in the controversial audio by the Assembly Member.

“This cannot be a fight between Nadowli and Kaleo. We are one and the same people,” Banye added.

The Concern Youth also called on President Mahama to reconsider Madam Mary Haruna as the DCE nominee for the Nadowli Kaleo District.

The Concerned Youth calls for unity and cooperation, urging all stakeholders to focus on the district’s development and work together to confirm the DCE nominee when announced.

“This is not about tribes or clans. It’s about progress, fairness, and the future of Nadowli-Kaleo,” Mr Banye affirmed.