NDC Youth On Rampage

A GROUP of irate youth, believed to be members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) within the Tamale Metropolis, yesterday ran riot and besieged the offices of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, demanding jobs.

They gave a three-day ultimatum to the Mayor and the assembly to provide them with jobs or in default have all party structures within the metropolis demolished.

The jobless supporters, who claim to be members of the Gbewa Youth Group, an offshoot of the ruling party, sought the head of the MCE, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna, on Friday amidst threats. They accused the MCE of being indifferent to their plight.  

The MCE, who was apparently alarmed, sought refuge when the angry youth who were determined to ruthlessly deal with him went after him.  

The group specifically earmarked Zoomlion, Metro Mass Transit and the National Youth Employment Programme as their interest areas.

They then demanded that persons currently working under these projects be fired, since they are purported to be sympathizers of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

They also demanded that specific contracts be allocated to them for execution, though it is unclear whether they have the requisite qualification to execute the said contracts.  

The Gbewa youth also claim they have been deserted by the Mills-led administration, 10 months after assuming office, adding that their contribution in opposition led to the party’s victory.  

The irate youth threatened to go on a vandalism spree if their demands are not met within three days.

Members of the group claim some of their colleagues died, while others were maimed in the struggle to bring back the NDC to power. Yet they have not been rewarded for their meritorious services rendered to the party.

It took the timely intervention of armed police personnel, led by the Metropolitan police commander, to calm the raging protesters who were determined to vent their spleen on the MCE.

Reacting to the incident, the Metropolitan Chief Executive promised to see to their concerns after consulting with the Regional Minister, Stephen Sumani Nayina.

From Stephen Zoure, Tamale