Unpaid NDC Polling Agents In Dome-Kwabenya Demand Allowances After 2024 Elections, Threaten Protests

…Call for Urgent Intervention from Party Leadership

Growing frustration is mounting within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as dozens of unpaid polling agents in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency demand immediate payment of their 2024 election allowances. The agents, who played a crucial role in ensuring electoral transparency and protecting the NDC’s mandate during the 2024 General Elections, say they have waited for nearly ten months without payment, and are now threatening peaceful demonstrations if their grievances remain unaddressed.

In a passionate appeal to the NDC leadership, Bright Nathaniel Tsikata, speaking on behalf of the affected polling agents, expressed deep disappointment at what he described as the party’s neglect of its loyal foot soldiers who worked tirelessly at the grassroots level.

“What is most disheartening,” Tsikata said, “is that our counterparts from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even though they are now in opposition, have received their allowances. Meanwhile, those of us who sacrificed our time, energy, and safety for the NDC’s victory have been abandoned.”

The unpaid agents claim that despite multiple engagements with constituency executives and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Agbo, their situation remains unresolved. The MCE reportedly stated that payments cannot be made until a compiled list of agents is submitted, a process that has been delayed by party coordinators.

Confusion Over Payment Process

The agents have also questioned why the payment of allowances is being managed through the MCE’s office instead of the NDC’s official party structures, arguing that this lack of clarity has worsened their frustration. They believe the delay reflects poor coordination within the party’s local administration.

Many of the affected agents say they are unemployed or financially struggling, and had counted on the promised allowances to support their livelihoods after dedicating weeks to training and election-day duties.

“We have been patient for far too long. If the party fails to pay us, we will be left with no choice but to stage peaceful demonstrations to demand our rightful compensation,” Tsikata warned.

Call for Urgent Action by NDC Leadership

The Dome-Kwabenya polling agents are appealing to the NDC national leadership, including the National Chairman and the General Secretary, to urgently intervene and ensure that all outstanding payments are settled without further delay. They insist that the party must honour its commitments to grassroots members, who form the foundation of the NDC’s electoral strength.

Political analysts have cautioned that the ongoing neglect of polling agents could erode trust and loyalty among the NDC’s base, particularly as the party prepares for upcoming by-elections and the next electoral cycle.

Reasons Behind the Delay

The unpaid agents identified two major reasons for the delay:

1. Lack of a Compiled List of Agents: The MCE insists on receiving a full verified list of polling agents before disbursing funds, but this compilation is yet to be completed by the coordinators.
2. Unclear Payment Channels: Payments being handled through the MCE’s office rather than through official party structures has led to confusion and mistrust among the agents.

Agents Outline the Way Forward

The group has proposed the following steps to resolve the issue:

• Immediate Intervention by Party Leadership: The NDC’s national executives and relevant government representatives must step in to ensure the prompt release of all outstanding allowances.
• Peaceful Demonstrations: If no action is taken soon, the unpaid agents say they will resort to peaceful public protests to draw national attention to their plight.

The handling of this matter will be a crucial test of the NDC’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and grassroots welfare as the party gears up for future elections. Honouring promises made to polling agents and campaign workers, the agents argue, is not just about money — it’s about respect, integrity, and the credibility of the party’s leadership.

Source: Political Desk || GhanaNewsOnline.com.gh