Agitations over MMDCE nominations nothing new – Peter Otokunor

Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, has downplayed concerns over recent agitations surrounding the nomination of some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

His comments follow protests by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters in areas such as Asante Mampong, Talensi, and Tema, expressing dissatisfaction with the nomination process.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, April 14, Dr. Otokunor described the reactions as typical of Ghana’s political climate, particularly during changes in government.

“This is not news. It’s been the usual experience whenever there is change of government and indeed it is not as if it is coming early. This year the situation has rather been a deviation from the norm where you get agitations all over,” he remarked.

He emphasized that this year’s nomination process has seen significant improvement compared to previous years, with nominees across 13 regions receiving full endorsement without any rejections.

“We have about 13 regions nominations and most of the nominees have received 100% endorsement and there have not been any single rejection of any of the nominees. The process has been exceedingly smooth from the beginning to the end,” he said.

Dr. Otokunor attributed this success to a more rigorous and merit-based selection process implemented under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.

“It is because of the rigorous process that has been put in place to select our nominees or president nominees this time around. These few isolated incidents are something that was expected,” he noted.

He further emphasized that decision-making at the Presidency would not be influenced by panic or personal sentiments, stressing that the unrest in certain areas stems from unfounded fears rather than valid concerns.

“But clearly you cannot depend on anybody’s fear to make a decision. The announcements in these areas have not been made. People are just living in their own fears,” he concluded.