General News of Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

5 times NDC grassroots have locked up NHIA offices across Ghana

Angry party supporters locked up state agencies with padlocks Angry party supporters locked up state agencies with padlocks

Some aggrieved supporters and grassroots executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have, on multiple occasions, taken to the streets to unlawfully lock up government and public institution offices.

These actions, often sparked by disputes over appointments or perceived marginalisation, have increasingly disrupted the operations of essential state services, including healthcare, leaving innocent citizens unable to access critical services.

Watch as irate NDC executives lock up Tema Central NHIS office

Critics have expressed concern that these unlawful acts are largely going unpunished, with most perpetrators seemingly left off the hook.

Observers argue that the silence from the NDC leadership, the government, and the apparent inaction of the police is fostering a climate of insecurity and emboldening lawlessness.

By targeting institutions of the state whose mandate is to serve all Ghanaians, these actions not only threaten public service delivery but also violate the constitutional principle that, upon election, the President must ensure the safety of all citizens, not just members of a particular political party.

This GhanaWeb article looks at some of the notable incidents that have occurred in recent years, starting from: 

1. Kadjebi NHIA offices locked over appointments

In September 2025, some aggrieved NDC executives in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region barricaded the offices of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to protest what they described as unfair appointment decisions. 

Led by the Constituency Youth Organiser, Sampson Quashigah, the group accused their Member of Parliament (MP) of sidelining qualified and loyal party executives in favour of individuals with questionable backgrounds or those who supported rival candidates during the party’s internal primaries.

“What we are demanding today from the party is simple. In all districts, the NADMO director position is typically occupied by the constituency organiser. But our MP is saying the current organiser won’t get the position because he supported another parliamentary candidate during the primaries,” Quashigah said.

2. Koforidua offices of multiple agencies locked by NDC youth

Earlier in January 2025, groups of young NDC supporters reportedly stormed and locked up offices of several state agencies, including the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the New Juaben South Municipality. 

The closure of the office caused distress to staff and members of the public seeking services. 

Reports noted that the office was shut, and attempts were made to blockade regional offices as well until security forces restored order.

3. Tema Central NHIS office padlocked by NDC executives

In February 2026, executives of the NDC in Tema Central locked the offices of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in protest against what they described as exclusionary and non-consultative appointment processes that overlooked loyal grassroots members. 

The action disrupted public service delivery and drew condemnation from officials and the Minority in Parliament, who labelled it unlawful. 

Constituency executives insisted they had been ignored in the appointment process. 

Speaking to JoyNews on February 10, 2026, the Constituency Chairman, Benjamin Jakuma, who led the action, argued that grassroots members who contributed to the party’s successes have been sidelined in the appointment process.

“We have our executives who have the qualifications to be there, but are always ignored. If the right thing is done, we will end the protest. A lot of appointments are being done in the wrong direction without consultations. We cannot work for them to come and sit down and do whatever they prefer to those who brought the party to power,” he cautioned.

4. Bosomtwe Health Insurance office sealed by NDC supporters

In February 2026, some supporters of the NDC reportedly locked up the Bosomtwe Health Insurance office, again over perceived grievances related to appointment decisions and internal party representation, disrupting health insurance services to the local community.

These incidents reflect a pattern of grassroots protests by NDC supporters in parts of the country, often centred on disputes over appointments and perceived exclusion of local party executives. Such actions have drawn mixed reactions, with some defending grassroots activism and others condemning the disruptions to public services.

5. NDC supporters lock up Ejisu NHIA office

The most recent addition to these growing incidents is the March 16, 2026, lock-up of the National Health Insurance Authority’s district office in Ejisu.

The youth protested what they described as the neglect of party loyalists in government appointments.

The supporters reportedly stormed the NHIA office and locked it, temporarily disrupting operations.

They claim that individuals who worked tirelessly for the party ahead of the 2024 elections have been overlooked in the distribution of government positions.

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned the forceful closure of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office in Ejisu, describing the incident as unacceptable.

Addressing the media on Monday, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, called for an immediate end to such acts targeting public institutions.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of disruptions and acts of unrest, stressing that such conduct must not be tolerated.

'This nonsense must stop' - Minority condemns forceful closure of NHIA office in Ejisu

Dr Afriye acknowledged the frustrations among sections of party supporters but cautioned that resorting to such actions undermines development and the smooth functioning of public services.

The Minority has reiterated its commitment to holding the government accountable and has pledged to speak out against actions that hinder national development.

MAG/AE

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