Politics of Thursday, 12 December 2024

Source: Stephen Darko, Contributor

Group calls for ministerial appointment for Lawyer James Enu

Photo collage of John Mahama and James Enu, MP-elect for Tema West Photo collage of John Mahama and James Enu, MP-elect for Tema West

A group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives in the Northern Region has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to appoint the Member of Parliament-elect for Tema West, Lawyer James Enu, as a minister.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDC Natural Loyalists (NDC-NL) described such an appointment as a deserving reward for Lawyer James Enu, who has fought tirelessly for over 20 years to secure a foothold for the NDC in Tema West, a constituency previously dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“As loyalists, we hope that the current Mahama government will not repeat the mistakes of the previous tenure, where people who sacrificed for the party were sidelined and got nothing in return. If there are going to be rewards for tenacious party thoroughbreds, none is as richly deserving as Lawyer James Enu, who sold his properties to secure the NDC this new foothold in Tema West,” the statement said.

Led by Mohammed Alhassan, NDC-NL is comprised of staunch party loyalists from constituencies across the Northern Region. These are dedicated NDC members who remain steadfast regardless of whether the party is in power or opposition.

“Lawyer James Enu is a shining example of the spirit of an Akatamansonian loyalist, and we believe his loyalty must be recognized and rewarded. Appointing him to a Ministry would be an appropriate acknowledgment,” the statement added.

Lawyer James Enu, the MP-elect for Tema West, achieved a significant victory by defeating the NPP’s candidate, Dennis Amfo-Sefah, alias Nana Boakye, with a winning margin of over 22,000 votes. His efforts also contributed to President-elect John Mahama’s victory over Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in Tema West, with a margin exceeding 21,000 votes.

Following the election results, jubilant NDC supporters celebrated a victory that, according to Mohammed Alhassan, was achieved through the extraordinary efforts of Lawyer James Enu.

The statement highlighted Lawyer Enu’s history of dedication to the NDC, noting that he has supported the party for years, including offering pro bono legal services.

In 2011, he contested the Tema West NDC primaries and lost honorably.

Subsequently, he was urged to contest in Tema Central, a challenging constituency for the NDC. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful but remained undeterred.

In 2013, Lawyer Enu was initially shortlisted for appointment as Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Tema. However, the late Paul Victor Obeng, a close confidant of then-President Mahama, convinced him to appoint Rev. Isaac Ashai Odamtten instead. Though disappointed, Lawyer Enu continued to serve the party with dedication.

Lawyer Enu’s persistence culminated in his victory in the Tema West constituency, breaking the NPP's stronghold and securing a historic win for the NDC.

The statement concluded by reiterating the call for his appointment to a ministerial position, emphasizing that it would be a fitting acknowledgment of his loyalty, selflessness, and relentless pursuit of victory for the NDC.

“From Tema West being a safe seat for the NPP, it has now been captured by the NDC, thanks to our indefatigable Lawyer James Enu,” the statement emphasized.