A simmering internal dispute within the ranks of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has come to the fore, centering on the status of several party loyalists employed at the National Sports Authority (NSA). The controversy, which threatens to create divisions within the party’s grassroots base, follows an alleged call by the NSA Board Chairman to review and potentially revoke their appointments.
At the heart of the matter is Tijani A. Jibril, a long-standing NDC activist with deep roots in the Accra constituencies of Nima, Maamobi, and New Town. Described by party insiders as a dedicated and influential figure, Mr. Jibril’s political allegiance to the NDC spans over four decades.
Sources close to Mr. Jibril detail a history of party service beginning in 1983 when he was recruited as a young revolutionary cadre under the late former President Jerry John Rawlings. His commitment led to educational opportunities in Cuba, where he first studied Spanish at the Isla de la Juventud in Gerona and later specialized in Sports Development at the Escuela Deportivo—the University College of Sports in Pinar del Rio.
Following the NDC’s electoral victory in 2024, Mr. Jibril’s experience and loyalty came to the fore. According to party sources, he was instrumental in mobilising support to secure and stabilise operations at the Accra Sports Stadium during the transition period. In recognition of these efforts, the Director-General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, appointed him to a role focused on security and communications at the Authority.
However, this appointment, along with those of other perceived NDC operatives, is now reportedly under scrutiny. The NSA Board Chairman is said to have initiated a call for a review of these hirings, with the grounds being that they were made without formal approval from the Board. This has left Mr. Jibril and others in a precarious position regarding their future at the Authority.
The situation has ignited frustration among party loyalists and grassroots supporters. Critics argue that the move unfairly targets individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the party, contrasting their sacrifice with that of board members who, they claim, did not actively campaign in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
“A man who has sacrificed and served this party for decades cannot be discarded simply because a new board claims his appointment was not approved by them,” a party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented. “If we cannot protect our own at a time like this, it sends a very damaging message about the value of loyalty.”
The growing discord highlights a delicate challenge for the new administration as it seeks to balance governance structures with the expectations of its political base. Political observers note that the resolution of this issue could have significant implications for party cohesion and the morale of its grassroots supporters.
As of the time of this report, the NSA Board had not issued a public statement addressing the concerns raised by the party loyalists. Calls are growing within NDC circles for immediate dialogue to resolve the matter internally and prevent further escalation.
