Tension Brews In NDC …As Suhuyini Warns Fifi Kwetey

Internal tension appears to be surfacing within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a member of the Party’s communication team, Hamza Suhuyini, has warned the General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi  Kwetey, against public remarks he believes could harm the party’s prospects in the 2028 general elections.

Hamza Suhuyini expressed concern that some recent public utterances by Mr Kwetey, including references to party members as sycophants, risk deepening internal conflicts and undermining party unity.

At a press conference last Thursday, Mr Kwetey announced that all serving government appointees would be disqualified from contesting for party executive positions unless they resign from their posts. He further stated that any appointee intending to vie for a party position must step down at least six months before filing nomination forms.

Reacting to the announcement during a discussion on Channel One TV over the weekend, Mr Suhuyini said he was troubled by the tone and implications of the General Secretary’s comments.

“I am extremely worried that, inasmuch as I respect his (Fifi Kwetey’s) desire to have a working party, his utterances need to be measured in a way that does not, in the future, hurt the fortunes of the party,” he said.

He added that while Mr. Kwetey is known for his firm stance in defending the principles of the NDC, party members equally have the right to express their views openly.

“I think that those of us who are also known to be publicly campaigning for him, in conformity with those democratic principles, are free to speak our minds on this matter. One of the principles I hold dear as a party member is never to be cowed into submission when it comes to my beliefs,” Mr. Suhuyini stated.

He also referenced earlier remarks by the General Secretary, which he said could breed mistrust within both the party and government, citing a statement made by Mr. Kwetey in Kumasi, suggesting that some party members were lobbying to protect members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“Whether it is true or not, once it is said publicly, it throws doubt and suspicion among the rank and file of the party and government,” he noted.

According to him, similar concerns arose following comments made by Mr. Kwetey in the Volta Region during the June Fourth Revolution commemorations.

“As if that was not enough, our General Secretary again went to the Volta Region during the June Fourth Revolution and openly called out those advocating for former President Mahama to seek a third term,” Suhuyini said. “While many of us may disagree with such calls, it remains within the democratic rights of party members, and our public utterances, especially while in government, must be carefully considered.”

He warned that labelling party members as sycophants or framing internal debates around greed could further inflame tensions.

“When statements reach the point of branding people as sycophants, it introduces another layer of conflict, and these things could spell doom for the party,” he cautioned.

Suhuyini further emphasised that the NDC’s chances in the 2028 elections would depend significantly on the collective efforts of all party members, including government appointees, irrespective of whether they hold party executive positions.

“This party cannot win power in 2028 without these government appointees, whether or not they are part of the National Executive Committee,” he said.
“The responsibility is not only on the government but on all of us to be very measured in the way we speak.”