By Stephen Apolima |
Accra, Ghana | May 14, 2025
A storm is brewing within the ranks of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as all 276 Constituency Women Organizers across Ghana have collectively petitioned the Party’s National Chairman, expressing deep dissatisfaction with their exclusion from the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP). The petition, also copied to the Presidency and key national figures, warns of possible unrest if the concerns are not urgently addressed.
In the detailed petition, the women accuse the current implementation strategy of the GSFP of sidelining grassroots activists—specifically the Branch and Constituency Women Organizers—who form the backbone of the party’s mobilization machinery. The protest letter, signed by regional representatives, highlights a sense of betrayal felt by the women who say they have long sacrificed for the party’s cause but are now being denied meaningful economic participation.
Marginalization at the Grassroots
According to the petitioners, the allocation of just one slot each to the Constituency Women Organizer and her deputy per constituency is “wholly inadequate.” With most districts having fewer than 50 beneficiary schools, the majority of Branch Women Organizers—who work closest with the communities—are effectively excluded. The women argue this creates resentment and threatens the morale of the very people who ensure electoral victories at the grassroots level.
“This exclusion risks fomenting widespread disaffection, demoralization, and alienation among our base — at the very levels where the Party’s electoral fortunes are ultimately decided,” the petition reads.
A Departure from Precedent
The Women Organizers also criticize a significant administrative shift: the removal of dedicated District Coordinators in favor of concentrating full control in the hands of District and Municipal Chief Executives (DCEs/MCEs). Describing this as a “complete departure from the established norm,” the women argue that the change marginalizes trusted party operatives and could open the door to inefficiency and politicization.
“This shift creates unnecessary bottlenecks… and removes critical grassroots Party actors — particularly the Women’s Wing — from their rightful role,” the petition states.
Invoking the NDC Constitution
The petition references Articles 42(1) and 42(2)(a) of the NDC Constitution, which mandate the Women’s Wing to mobilize Ghanaian women and support their participation in national development. The organizers argue that the current structure contravenes these constitutional provisions and undermines women’s empowerment.
Tensions Boiling Over
While the tone of the petition is respectful, the undercurrents are tense. Some organizers, especially in volatile constituencies, have hinted at resistance—possibly even violent confrontation—should outsiders attempt to implement the programme in their areas without addressing the grievances. A party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that “there are already whisperings of physical resistance if allocations are pushed through without the involvement of local women leaders.”
The petition’s strong language and widespread support underscore the gravity of the situation. One regional organizer privately expressed that if their concerns are ignored, “people will take matters into their own hands. Nobody should underestimate the anger on the ground.”
Reliefs Demanded
Among the key demands are:
- A significant increase in the number of school feeding slots for both Constituency and Branch Women Organizers.
- The reinstatement of District Coordinators drawn from loyal party women.
- Full decision-making roles for Women Organizers during allocation processes.
- Expansion of the programme to include more schools per district.
- Transparent and equitable allocation procedures.
Political Implications
The petition places the NDC’s leadership, particularly the National Chairman, in a difficult position as the party attempts to maintain internal cohesion ahead of the 2028 general elections. With Ghana’s political terrain becoming increasingly competitive, grassroots dissatisfaction—especially from such a vital wing of the party—could spell trouble.
Political analyst Dr. Akosua Oforiwaa noted, “Women Organizers are not just symbolic figures; they are political engines in their communities. If they disengage or revolt, the NDC could face serious setbacks.”
Conclusion
As the party leadership deliberates, the message from its women organizers is clear: they will no longer tolerate being side-lined. Whether this internal pressure leads to reform or rupture remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—ignoring the voices of these grassroots leaders could come at a significant cost.
