The Zongo Institute for Development (ZID) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as a “profound violation of dignity and protocol” during the vetting of Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Nasser Mahama Toure.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 28, during the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s vetting process for aspirants contesting the Ayawaso East bye-election. ZID expressed dismay over the denial of a virtual vetting option for Hajia Amina, despite precedents set during the COVID-19 pandemic and for candidates abroad. The institute argued that her mourning status warranted greater sensitivity.
Despite the setback, Hajia Amina appeared in person at the Greater Accra regional office, where it was publicly announced that no photography or videography would be allowed out of respect for her grieving state. However, ZID revealed that an image of her was taken and circulated on social media, exposing her to ridicule.
“This act is not merely a breach of protocol,” the statement read. “It is a profound violation of the dignity of a grieving woman and a disregard for the religious values held dear by the Zango community and Muslims at large.”
ZID further criticized the NDC’s internal vetting security, calling it weak and susceptible to breaches of trust. The institute has called on the party’s leadership to:
- Investigate and sanction those responsible for the unauthorized image leak
- Ensure fairness in future vetting processes, with respect for religious and cultural diversity
- Protect dignity, especially of candidates in mourning
“We stand in solidarity with Hajia Amina Adam and all women who seek to serve their communities while remaining steadfast in their faith,” ZID affirmed.
The institute urged the NDC and the public to treat the matter with the “sensitivity and gravity it deserves.”
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