Fifi Kwetey slams opponents of dual-role directive as “greedy” and “mercenaries”

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has sharply criticised party executives opposing a new internal directive that bars officials from simultaneously holding government appointments and elective party positions.

Defending the policy, Mr Kwetey described some opponents as “greedy” and cautioned that individuals who insist on occupying both roles risk becoming “mercenaries” driven by personal interest rather than loyalty to the party.

The directive, announced last week, requires party executives appointed to government positions to choose between retaining their public office or resigning from their party roles several months before contesting for new party positions. Those unwilling to step aside from party leadership are expected to forgo government appointments.

The policy has reportedly attracted resistance from some executives who argue that it is possible to combine party leadership with government responsibilities, citing past instances where officials held dual roles.

Mr Kwetey rejected those arguments, insisting that such arrangements undermine effectiveness in both governance and party organisation. He pointed to the example of a minister who also serves as a national youth organiser, suggesting that the demands of both roles make effective performance impractical.

“He obviously would be the first to know that it’s just not possible,” he said.

According to him, the NDC has a broad pool of capable members who should be given opportunities to serve, rather than allowing a few individuals to dominate both party and state roles.

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

He maintained that the directive is not a departure from party tradition, but part of long-standing organisational practice aimed at improving efficiency in governance while opening space for internal renewal within the party.