Accra:The National Secretariat of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) has called upon the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intervene urgently after reports emerged of former TEIN executives being disqualified from running for regional executive positions across several regions.
According to Ghana Web, the appeal was directed to the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, through the General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey. Dr. Mohammed Sadiq Gombilla, the National TEIN Coordinator, expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of candidates based on their past executive service within TEIN rather than at the constituency level.
Dr. Gombilla highlighted that TEIN executives undertake significant political and electoral responsibilities, such as recruiting members, coordinating campaigns, and mobilising voters. These activities demand leadership, discipline, and collaboration with various levels of the party's executives. He emphasized the crucial role TEIN plays in strengthening the NDC's support among students, translating into votes during elections.
He questioned the rationale behind allowing a member with no previous executive experience to contest a constituency position while denying a former TEIN executive the opportunity to contest a regional position solely due to the lack of constituency-level experience. Dr. Gombilla argued for the recognition of TEIN service when former executives seek regional and national opportunities, warning that failure to do so could undermine morale among current campus leaders.
The appeal called for the Functional Executive Committee to review the disqualification cases and ensure that former TEIN executives are allowed to contest if they meet other eligibility criteria. Dr. Gombilla also urged the establishment of clear guidelines that recognize TEIN executive service for leadership positions at higher levels.
He stressed the importance of providing a fair chance for former campus leaders to present themselves to delegates, who would ultimately decide their suitability for office. He encouraged those affected to follow the appeal process and urged current TEIN executives to stay dedicated to their roles while the issue is being addressed. The Secretariat seeks to reaffirm that service through TEIN is a valued and viable path to greater responsibilities within the NDC.