Angry youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Savelugu Municipality have rejected the appointment of Abdul-Rahman Yahaya as the new District Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The protesting youth say the appointment is unfair, lacks transparency, and undermines party values.
According to them, Abdul Rahman Yahaya contributed to the NDC’s defeat in the Savelugu constituency. The youth questioned why he was already a staff member of the NHIS during the NDC and still looted goodies assigned to the youth himself. NDC youth activists in Savelugu Hafiz Sulemana who led the protest said, “Abdul-Rahman does not deserve the elevation, especially considering what they describe as his lack of contribution to the party’s success in recent elections. He never supported the NDC youth when he had the chance so we lost the constituency seat to the NPP”.
Protesters Lock Offices, Burn Tyres in Demonstration
On Monday, the agitated youth took to the streets, locking both the NDC constituency office and the NHIS district office. They burned car tyres in front of the NHIS building and chanted war songs, vowing not to allow the new manager to access the premises. Several of the youth spoke to GHOne TV’s Noah Nash Hoenyefia, expressing their frustration over the decision. They demanded that the party revoke Abdul Rahman’s appointment and select three candidates who applied for the same position what they called more “suitable and loyal” candidates of the NDC party.
Allegations of Betrayal During Elections
The youth are alleging that Abdul Rahman actively worked against the party during the 2020 general elections, which contributed to the NDC’s loss of the Savelugu parliamentary seat. One protester who spoke to the news team stated that they would continue to occupy the office until the party revokes Abdul Rahman’s appointment.
Musah, who spoke in the local dialect, expressed that they cannot forgive Abdul Rahman for betraying the party.
He emphasized, “He has no respect or regard for us, the youth of the party.”
“Abdul Rahman worked against the NDC in the last elections, which is why the party lost the parliamentary seat,” said Musah, one of the frustrated youth.
“He did not assist the NDC to embark on any campaign in the last election. So, if his appointment is not revoked immediately, we will not open the NHIA office for use.”
Call for Transparency and Dialogue
The protesters are demanding an urgent meeting with the party leadership to address what they perceive as internal favouritism and to advocate for fair, transparent processes in future appointments. They have warned that if the decision is not reversed, it could lead to ongoing resistance, which may include keeping the NHIS office locked indefinitely.
In response, sources within the supporter base of the embattled NHIS Manager are planning a counter-demonstration against the NDC youth opposing him. When contacted by the news team, Abdul-Rahaman Aide described the allegation as baseless since he has not done what he is been accused of by the party youth. The aide revealed that Yahaya will comment at the right time on the matter until there is further engagement from the management of the NHIA and the NDC leadership.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Noah Nash Hoenyefia/Tamale
