The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency is facing a significant internal shakeup following the bold declaration of Rtd. Soldier Solomon Jabari, who has officially entered the race for the constituency chairmanship.
The announcement, made during an end-of-year gathering and thanksgiving service on Sunday, has exposed deep-seated fractures within the party’s local structure. Rtd. Soldier Jabari, currently the Branch Chairman for Island City at Ahenema Kokoben, cited systemic leadership failures, exclusion, and “unpleasant developments” during the 2024 general elections as the primary catalysts for his candidacy.
The event, held at the retired military officer’s residence, was not merely a social gathering but a strategic political assembly. The gravity of the declaration was underscored by the presence of several high-ranking regional party officials, including:
Hon. Baah Acheamfour: Deputy Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC.
Emmanuel Reagan Fynn: Oforikrom Constituency Youth Organiser and Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Various Regional Executives: Signalling that the internal dynamics of Atwima Kwanwoma are being closely monitored at the regional level.
Addressing the gathered executives and grassroots supporters, Rtd. Capt. Jabari delivered a scathing assessment of the current leadership, describing his bid as a “rescue mission” to save the party from further decline.
Rtd. Capt. Jabari’s speech focused heavily on the lack of cohesion that allegedly plagued the party’s 2024 campaign. Having served as the Security Liaison Officer during the recent general elections, Jabari claimed he had a front-row seat to organizational failures that hindered the party’s performance.
“What we witnessed was unhealthy and damaging to the party. There was persistent backbiting, mistrust, and a total lack of cohesion among leadership,” Jabari stated, referring specifically to the reported friction between the NDC Parliamentary Candidate and the incumbent Constituency Chairman.
He further alleged that many branch executives—the backbone of the party’s grassroots operations—have been deliberately sidelined. This exclusion, he argued, has birthed a culture of resentment and frustration that could jeopardize the party’s future prospects if left unaddressed.
In perhaps, the most damning portion of his address, Rtd. Capt. Jabari highlighted a significant gap in communication between the party leadership and administrative figures. He claimed that the current District Chief Executive (DCE) remains a stranger to a majority of the branch executives in the constituency.
He blamed this disconnect squarely on the incumbent chairmanship, stating that it is the Chairman’s fundamental duty to bridge the gap between branch leadership and high-ranking officials. “That did not happen,” he noted, “and it has weakened the trust of our grassroots base.”
Positioning himself as a “unifier,” the retired military officer promised to bring a sense of military discipline and inclusive governance to the constituency office. His campaign is built on three pillars:
Healing: Resolving the personal vendettas between party stakeholders.
Inclusiveness: Ensuring branch executives are integrated into the decision-making process.
Restoration: Rebuilding the party’s image and performance in Atwima Kwanwoma.
“The party needs healing, unity, and effective leadership. That is what I stand for,” he assured the cheering crowd.
Despite the heavy political undertones, the event also served as a moment of reflection and gratitude. In the spirit of the Christmas season, a thanksgiving service was held to appreciate the protection of the party’s members throughout the election year.
The gathering also saw the recognition of outstanding executives and members who showed exceptional dedication to the NDC. These individuals were rewarded for their loyalty, a move seen by many as an attempt by Jabari to demonstrate the “reward system” he intends to implement if elected.
As the NDC prepares for its internal elections next year, the battle for the Atwima Kwanwoma chairmanship is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested in the Ashanti Region. With Rtd. Capt. Jabari’s military background and his vocal support from regional figures, the incumbent leadership faces an uphill task in defending their record against a narrative of failure and division.
