The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has criticised party executives opposing a new internal directive requiring officials to choose between holding government appointments and occupying elective party positions.

Speaking in defence of the policy, Mr Kwetey described some opponents as “greedy” and warned that individuals who seek to hold both roles risk becoming “mercenaries” driven by personal interest rather than party loyalty.

The directive, announced last week, requires party executives who have been appointed to key government positions to resign from their party roles several months ahead of contesting for new party offices, or retain their government jobs and step aside from party leadership positions.

The directive has reportedly faced resistance from some party executives who argue that holding both government and party roles is possible, citing past examples of officials who have managed dual responsibilities.

Mr Kwetey, however, dismissed those arguments, insisting that such arrangements undermine efficiency both in government and within the party structure.

He referenced the case of a minister who also serves as a national youth organiser, suggesting that even those opposing the directive know the demands of both roles make effective performance difficult.
“He obviously would be the first to know that it’s just not possible,” he said.

Mr Kwetey argued that the NDC, as a large political organisation with millions of supporters, has a wide pool of capable individuals who should be given opportunities to serve.

According to him, it is unreasonable for individuals holding demanding government appointments — such as ministers, CEOs of state institutions, or Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives — to simultaneously perform day-to-day party duties effectively.

“You cannot hold a ministerial position full-time and still expect that you can be on the ground doing party work efficiently,” he stressed.

The NDC General Secretary maintained that the directive is not new, but rather part of longstanding organisational practice aimed at ensuring effectiveness in governance while opening space for others within the party to rise.