NDC's Acting IT Director Hits Back at Stephen Donkor Over Online Registration Complaints

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is embroiled in an internal dispute after the party's Acting Director of Information Technology publicly pushed back against allegations that officials were intentionally frustrating the registration of a General Secretary aspirant. The row centres on Stephen Donkor, who is seeking to challenge incumbent General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey in the party's upcoming internal elections.

What sparked the controversy

Stephen Donkor had raised concerns that he was encountering unusual difficulties when attempting to register his candidacy through the NDC's online platform. The complaints carried an implicit accusation — that party insiders were throwing obstacles in his path to protect the incumbent, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, from a competitive challenge.

Such allegations, if substantiated, would represent a serious breach of internal democratic principles within a party that prides itself on grassroots participation and competitive internal elections. Donkor's camp suggested the technical barriers were anything but accidental.

IT Director's response

Jibril, the NDC's Acting Director of IT, flatly rejected the accusations. He stated that he was unconvinced by Donkor's claims that the difficulties were the result of deliberate interference by party officials. His position effectively turns the narrative around, placing responsibility for the registration problems on the aspirant himself rather than on the party's administration or technical infrastructure.

While Jibril did not elaborate extensively on the specific technical issues encountered, his rebuttal signals that the party's technology team does not accept blame for the situation. It is understood that the NDC has been rolling out digital platforms to streamline internal processes, including the filing of nominations for party positions — a modernisation effort that, like many such transitions, may carry teething problems.

Why it matters for Ghana

Internal party democracy is a cornerstone of Ghana's broader democratic health. When aspirants within major political parties allege that the system is being manipulated against them, it raises legitimate questions about fairness and transparency — not just within the NDC, but as a signal to the wider electorate about how these organisations conduct their own affairs.

The NDC, as one of Ghana's two dominant political parties and the current ruling party following the December 2024 general election, faces heightened scrutiny on issues of internal governance. How the party manages disputes like this one will be closely watched by members, political observers, and opponents alike.

For ordinary NDC members and supporters, the credibility of the internal elections process directly affects confidence in party leadership. If aspirants feel shut out before the contest even begins, it risks deepening factionalism and discouraging competitive participation — both of which would weaken the party's internal democratic culture over time.

• The dispute also highlights the challenges that come with digitising internal party processes. Online registration systems, while efficient in theory, can become flashpoints for accusations of manipulation when candidates experience difficulties — particularly in a politically charged environment where trust between factions is already thin.
• It remains to be seen whether Donkor will escalate his complaints through formal party channels or pursue the matter publicly. Either route is likely to keep the story in the news cycle and maintain pressure on NDC leadership to demonstrate impartiality.
• The NDC has not yet issued a broader official statement addressing the registration dispute beyond the Acting IT Director's remarks.

As the NDC prepares for its internal elections, the party will need to manage this dispute carefully to avoid perceptions of incumbency protection undermining what should be an open and transparent process.