Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has made it clear that competence—not blind loyalty—will be the key criterion for appointments under an NDC administration.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said the party is committed to protecting government business from being undermined by incompetence disguised as loyalty.
“Party loyalists should not necessarily be incompetent,” he emphasised.
“We have loyal, competent people. So if you prove to be incompetent, another loyalist who is competent can replace you.”
His comments come amid growing concerns about the performance expectations being set for newly confirmed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), many of whom are long-time party activists.
President Mahama, in earlier meetings with these officials, signalled a clear shift: MMDCEs would now be judged based on measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and could face dismissal or reprimand if they fail to deliver.
The President also issued a deadline for asset declaration, indicating a tightening of accountability standards.
When host Evans Mensah asked whether this tough, performance-driven approach—commonly seen in the private sector—was compatible with political appointments, often viewed as rewards for loyalty, Asiedu Nketia was unequivocal.
“That’s why I told you that in determining the criteria for selection, loyalty comes in,” he explained, “but competence ranks higher than loyalty.”
He added that the party is not lacking in qualified individuals.
“We have more people than positions available. For each position, we have about 20 to 30 people who are qualified. So if some are competent and still loyal, you don’t leave them and go settle on somebody incompetent but loyal.”
Asiedu Nketia insisted that this approach is not only understood within the party but widely accepted.
“They understand and have accepted this,” he said, referring to party members and appointees. “We cannot allow government business to suffer because of party loyalty.”
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