Mary Haruna rejected as Nadowli Kaleo DCE nominee in contentious Assemby vote

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

In a closely contested ballot, 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.

Despite the tension, Madam Mary’s nomination was met with vocal support from several quarters. Eric Dakurah Faanuba, former Upper West Regional Secretary of the NDC, publicly backed her, as did local women’s organizations such as the Kaleo Dagibile Women Group. They cited her dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to community development.

Before the vote, Madam Mary addressed the assembly, describing herself as a “humble servant” and appealing directly to the 52 assembly members to approve her nomination.

Political figures also weighed in. Nadowli-Kaleo MP, Anthony Mwinkaara Suma, called for unity and urged assembly members to put aside differences for development. “Let the confirmation process not destroy the unity our district is known for,” he said.

Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Upper West Regional Minister, also appealed for consensus, stressing the importance of a united vote to drive the district’s progress. He encouraged members to show strong support by voting unanimously in favour of the nominee.

However, the assembly ultimately rejected the nomination, leaving the DCE position for Nadowli Kaleo still unconfirmed as the district awaits a new nominee from the President.