President John Dramani Mahama has reminded members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth in Damongo that the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency has full authority to decide how his share of the Common Fund is utilized and which contractors are engaged to execute related projects.
The President made the remarks during the commissioning of the Damongo Camp Prison on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, after being confronted by some aggrieved NDC youth displaying placards demanding the immediate removal of the West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
The protest followed allegations that the MCE, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, was considering awarding contracts to individuals affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Tensions had been building since the previous Friday, when the youth reportedly held two separate meetings with the MCE—first at the Damongo Community Centre and later at the NDC Constituency Office. During these meetings, they allegedly threatened to attack both the Municipal Assembly and the MCE if contracts were awarded to Alhaji Rambo or Rass Banku, both known NPP members and certified contractors in the constituency.
The dispute centers on the decision by the MP for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, to use his share of the Common Fund for two development projects: the construction of a three-unit classroom block at the Damongo Technical Institute and a CHPS Compound in one of the municipality’s villages. Following the publication of the contract tender, several contractors—including Alhaji Rambo and Rass Banku—submitted applications. The contract committee is currently assessing the bids and has not yet announced any final selections.
According to some youth members, their primary grievance lies with Alhaji Fusheini Alhassan Rambo, a former NDC supporter who defected to the NPP.
They vowed to stage demonstrations and call for the MCE’s dismissal should their concerns be ignored. However, sources within the Damongo NDC suggest the tensions may be politically motivated, alleging that certain individuals are attempting to incite grassroots members against MCE Castro to pave the way for his removal and replacement by a preferred candidate.
Addressing the matter, President Mahama clarified that both the MP and the MCE have separate shares of the Common Fund, which they independently manage. He urged the party’s youth to understand the distinction and to refrain from unnecessary confrontations.
He said;
“Permit me to educate you on the Common Fund”.
President Mahama further stated; “The fund is divided between the MP and the MCE, and each has the discretion to decide which projects to undertake and which contractors to engage. The projects you are protesting against belong to the MP, and he has the right to award them to any qualified contractor. Eligible NDC contractors can also apply for contracts under the MCE’s share of the fund.”
President John Dramani Mahama encouraged the MCE Yakubu Yussif Castro to engage more effectively with party members and ensure open communication about assembly operations and development initiatives.
Source: nkilgifm.com
