Tensions are reaching a boiling point in South Tongu following the controversial removal of Romeo Hademe’s name from the final shortlist of vetted candidates for the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) position.

The unexpected exclusion of Hademe has triggered widespread agitation among Assembly Members, traditional leaders, party loyalists, and sympathisers, who are demanding an immediate investigation into what they describe as blatant manipulation by key Volta Regional NDC executives.

Hademe was among three candidates originally shortlisted after a vetting process at the NDC Volta Regional Office in Ho.

However, to the shock of many, his name was mysteriously replaced in the final list submitted to the party’s headquarters in Accra, in a letter signed by Acting Regional Secretary Bright Kwashie Ege.

This development has fuelled suspicions of foul play, with allegations pointing at top regional executives.

Insiders allege that some party executives who were absent during the vetting orchestrated Hademe’s exclusion, suspecting that these executives were compromised.

It is alleged that his name was deliberately replaced with another candidate handpicked by those involved, raising serious concerns about transparency and fairness in the selection process.

“This is a clear case of manipulation for selfish interests, and we have enough evidence to prove it,” said Gleku Williams, an Assembly Member for Sogakope South E/A.

Amid the growing controversy, many party members and constituents are directing their frustrations at South Tongu MP, Hon. Maxwell Lukutor, accusing him of remaining silent while injustice unfolds.

Critics argue that, as the elected representative of the people, he should be at the forefront of demanding fairness and transparency in the selection process.

“The MP should not be silent while the will of the people is being subverted,” a concerned party member stated, explaining that his silence is emboldening those behind this manipulation.

Others, however, believe the MP may be working behind the scenes to resolve the situation, urging patience as events unfold.

The controversy has also drawn the attention of traditional leaders, who are calling for urgent intervention.

Chiefs and elders in the area have expressed strong dissatisfaction, condemning their exclusion from the selection process and warning that any attempt to impose an unapproved candidate will be fiercely resisted.

Meanwhile, several Assembly Members have threatened to reject any nominee whose selection is deemed illegitimate.

“We will not be complicit in this injustice,” another Assembly Member declared, indicating that if the issue is not resolved transparently, they will reject any imposed candidate.

As anger spreads across the constituency, party faithful are calling on the NDC national leadership to intervene immediately.

Many believe that failure to address these concerns could deepen divisions within the party and weaken its support base ahead of future elections.