"Former NDC Official Urges Unity and Support for President Mahama’s Success Amidst Backlash Over Appointments"

Amid growing tension within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Onasis Kobby, a former executive of the party’s Ashanti Region branch, has called for unity and calm. His appeal comes in the wake of internal disputes regarding recent appointments, especially concerning the appointment of Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko as Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Onasis Kobby, who previously held the position of Deputy Youth Organizer for the NDC in the Ashanti Region, took to social media to address concerns within the party. He urged NDC supporters, particularly those at the grassroots level, to place their trust in President John Mahama and his leadership team. He emphasized the importance of unity and peace in maintaining the momentum gained from the 2024 elections, highlighting that such values were pivotal in securing the party’s historic victory.

In his social media posts, Onasis Kobby reflected on the unity that had brought the party to its success, urging that internal disagreements over appointments should not fracture the team. He stressed that the goal of the party should be to focus on supporting President Mahama in delivering a successful second term, a mission that requires collective effort and harmony.

Drawing from his own experience during the election campaign, Kobby shared a deeply personal story of the sacrifices made by him and others involved in the campaign. He recalled how, during the election period, he faced dangers that almost cost him his life. His words were a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in the struggle for the party’s success.

“Comrades, we endured eight years of hard work, suffering, and sacrifice,” Kobby posted. “Some of us lost our lives, and others still live with disabilities. I still bear the mental scars from that period. It was a horrifying experience, but by God’s grace, I, along with others like Opoku Patrick, Sawadogo Mahmoud, Dede Sianorkie, Linda, and NaYaz RiVera, survived it. Despite all the challenges we’ve faced, it is crucial that we come together and help President Mahama succeed.”

This powerful message came amid growing discontent within the NDC over certain appointments, particularly that of Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, who was recently appointed as Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA). Many NDC supporters have voiced their concerns about Fianko’s involvement in the controversial closure of two prominent pro-NDC radio stations, Radio Gold and Radio XYZ. These closures, which were justified by the government on the grounds of expired licenses, have remained a contentious issue within the party. Many members of the NDC view these stations as loyal to the party, and the shutdowns have been perceived as politically motivated attacks against media outlets that were seen as supportive of the NDC’s agenda.

Fianko, a Reverend of the Methodist Church, is accused by some within the party of playing a central role in the closure of these stations. Not only did he oversee the operations leading to the shutdowns, but he is also alleged to have gone on public radio and television to defend the closures and to threaten the reallocation of the frequency used by Radio Gold to another company.

This controversy has sparked widespread protests within the party, especially on social media, where many NDC supporters have expressed their anger and frustration with Fianko’s appointment. Despite these protests, Onasis Kobby’s message remains clear: the focus should be on supporting President Mahama’s second term and on ensuring that the party works together in unity to achieve this objective.

Onasis Kobby’s call for unity within the NDC is particularly important at a time when the party is facing internal divisions. His plea for calm and his reminder of the sacrifices made by party members during the campaign is a call to refocus on the larger goal—the success of President Mahama’s second term. According to Kobby, the party cannot afford to let internal disputes and disagreements over appointments derail their shared mission. He urged members of the NDC to prioritize the party’s long-term success and the well-being of the country over personal grievances.

Onasis Kobby’s message serves as a reminder to the NDC that their primary responsibility is to help President Mahama succeed in his second term, despite the challenges they may face. By remaining united and focused on the bigger picture, the party can overcome internal conflicts and continue to move forward together.