All DCE Nominees Will Be Confirmed – Presidency Dismisses Protests as ‘Part of the Process’
Despite internal opposition and street protests, the government stands firm on its DCE appointments, pledging dialogue and unity within the ruling party.
- Mustapha Gbande assures all DCE nominees will be confirmed
- Demonstrations in Tema call for a local mayor
- Presidency commits to engaging with dissatisfied party supporters to resolve tensions and maintain unity
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has given his firm assurance that every District Chief Executive (DCE) nominee announced by the Minister for Local Government—under the directive of President John Dramani Mahama—will be confirmed, regardless of dissent from within the ruling party.
In an interview on Gbande reiterated the government’s unwavering backing of the nomination list, while also acknowledging the concerns raised by some party members.
“I want to assure the public that once a nominee is named by the Local Government Minister, acting on the President’s instructions, that nominee will be confirmed as DCE,” he declared.
His remarks followed a protest in Tema, where local youth demonstrated at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly on Sunday, April 13, demanding the appointment of a native resident as Mayor. The protestors voiced their frustrations by burning tyres and playing drums, claiming that party leadership was favoring outsiders over locals.
Gbande downplayed the unrest, describing it as a common occurrence during political transitions and part of the internal dynamics of party politics.
“This is nothing unusual. Such incidents are part of the challenges that come with forming a government. It’s a nuisance, yes, but it comes with the territory,” he said.
He added that the Presidency is committed to constructive dialogue with aggrieved party members and communities, stressing the importance of maintaining unity and understanding.
“These are our own party people. We’ll engage with them, and more often than not, they end up regretting their actions. We’re open to listening, and we hope their concerns are based on genuine expectations,” Gbande noted.
He also warned against interpreting the protests as a sign of widespread disapproval of the President’s decisions.
“A few people expressing dissatisfaction doesn’t mean there’s widespread rejection or that due process was not followed. We will work to calm tensions and move forward,” he concluded.
