Growing Discontent: NDC Grassroots Feel Betrayed as Job Hopes Fade

The mood within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) family, especially among its grassroots supporters, has taken a worrying turn. Across constituencies and districts, frustration is quietly, yet steadily, rising. The very people who fought, prayed, sacrificed, and campaigned tirelessly to return their party to power now feel neglected, disappointed, and in some cases, betrayed.

For many supporters, political loyalty is not only about party colours, slogans, or rallies. It is also rooted in hope, hope that when their party assumes power, life will improve, and opportunities will open. After eight long years of political drought, thousands of grassroots members expected jobs, appointments, and some reasonable level of empowerment under the current NDC government. However, the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

One of the most painful concerns among supporters is the handling of job recruitments, especially within the security services. It is widely alleged that any time they hear about recruitment opportunities and slots are given, only half of those make it to the constituency level. The remaining slots, insiders claim, are always taken over by higher regional officials, leaving district executives empty-handed and powerless before their members.

This incident, supporters argue, is not isolated but part of a broader pattern where opportunities intended for grassroots activists are diverted, diluted, or hoarded at the top. Such actions leave local leaders with little or nothing to offer their foot soldiers, despite years of loyalty and sacrifice.

Across the region and beyond, murmurs of dissatisfaction are growing louder. Supporters question why the NDC government is seemingly refusing to consider its own members for critical jobs, particularly in sectors such as the police, immigration, prisons, and the military. Many compare their party unfavourably with the NPP, asserting that the NPP would never hesitate to secure opportunities for its people, even in cases where applicants have minor academic setbacks.

Some members bluntly describe the current posture of the NDC as a “holier-than-thou” approach, one that they believe is dangerously self-sabotaging. These supporters argue that politics is about empowerment and that the party risks eroding its own base if it fails to provide visible benefits to those who stood by it during difficult times.

Interestingly, the frustration is not limited to ordinary supporters. Some appointees themselves confess that they are overwhelmed and embarrassed by the numerous calls and visits from party faithful demanding jobs. Yet, these appointees also lament that the very individuals with the power to assist them are ignoring their calls. “If the people I depend on are not answering my calls, how do I answer the calls of those depending on me?” one constituency executive lamented.

This chain of unresponsiveness has created a crisis of confidence and communication within the party’s structures. Appointees feel stranded, supporters feel abandoned, and the system seems to be failing both.

The situation, if left unchecked, could have dire consequences for the party’s electoral future. Several staunch supporters have already warned that it will be exceedingly difficult to campaign for the NDC in 2028 if their children, relatives, and community members, who voted with the hope of receiving employment, continue to remain jobless.

The party’s grassroots is the backbone of its electoral strength. When that backbone begins to weaken under the weight of disappointment, the entire political structure is threatened. The growing disillusionment is a clear signal that urgent reforms and responsive leadership are needed.

As the complaints grow, one message is becoming unmistakably clear: the NDC must urgently reconnect with its grassroots and ensure fairness, transparency, and accessibility in job allocation processes. The party must also empower its appointees, improve internal communication, and restore trust at all levels. A lesson they want the party to learn from the NPP is to always consider the supporters first when it comes to jobs.

Failure to address these concerns now could result in a significant political fallout, one that may haunt the party in the next election.

The grassroots have spoken. The question is: Will the NDC listen?