A growing rift within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Effutu Constituency of the Central Region played out publicly on Saturday, November 8, 2025, when the party’s 2024 Parliamentary Candidate, James Kofi Annan, visibly declined a handshake from the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah, during a funeral in Winneba.
The incident occurred at the burial ceremony of the late brother of the Constituency Youth Organiser, Albert Nana Benyin Bonney, where both party leaders were in attendance. A video that has since gone viral captured the moment Mr Annan blocked the MCE’s extended hand, leaving mourners and party supporters in shock.
The dramatic scene further highlighted what many describe as a deepening division within the constituency branch of the NDC, with supporters increasingly split along lines of loyalty to the two prominent figures.
In a subsequent interview on his radio station, Nyce FM, Mr Annan explained his action, stating that the MCE had earlier arrived at the funeral and greeted everyone seated except him.
According to him, the earlier snub informed his decision not to reciprocate the gesture later in the day.
Residents and party faithful in Winneba have since expressed disappointment over the public display of discord, criticising both leaders for what they say was an avoidable show of immaturity. Many lament that such incidents only reinforce internal fractures and undermine efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future political activities.
Observers warn that the growing tensions, if left unresolved, could weaken the NDC’s organisational unity in Effutu and jeopardise its electoral prospects.
Meanwhile, calls are mounting for the regional and national leadership of the party to intervene and restore calm among the feuding leaders.
The Effutu NDC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
