The assembly members of the Binduri District in the Upper East Region of Ghana have rejected Mr. Ariku Martin Akudugu, who was nominated as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Binduri.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the 17 assembly members turned out in large numbers to vote on the nomination. Of the votes cast, 8 members voted in favour, representing 47%, while 9 members voted against Mr. Akudugu, accounting for 52.9%. This outcome marks a significant rejection of the nominee—a clear technical knockout in the confirmation process.
This rejection is historically notable as no DCE nominee in the Upper East Region has previously experienced such a technical knockout during the nomination race.
Some residents, speaking off the record due to fear of victimization, expressed concerns that Mr. Ariku Martin Akudugu, a well-known farmer in the Bawku enclave and the constituency chairman, has contributed minimally to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since joining the party. Additionally, others indicated that the division within the district has played a role in the assembly members’ decision to reject the nominee.
According to the 2016 Amendment Act 936, if a DCE nominee fails to secure at least 50% of the votes from two-thirds of the assembly members, their appointment is rejected. The District Assembly then has the option to nominate a new candidate, who will undergo the same voting process. If the new candidate also fails to secure 50% of the votes, the president can appoint a DCE. Therefore, Mr. Ariku Martin Akudugu may be re-nominated by the President or a new candidate may be chosen from the constituency, subject to confirmation by the assembly members.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya