
PHOTO: AHAJI ABDUL-MUMIN YAKUBU
A move by Sarah Donkoh, the Head of Estate at Tema Development Corporation (TDC), to issue a memo appointing Abdul Al-Mumin Yakubu as the acting signatory for the Managing Director’s documents has exploded into a full-blown controversy. The memo, dated 28 January 2025, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with some accusing Donkoh of a brazen power grab that undermines the authority and structure of TDC.
The Concerned Youth of Tema, a vocal group, have launched an all-out attack on Donkoh’s directive, calling it “an outrageous abuse of power” and “a slap in the face of TDC’s hierarchy.” In a statement laced with fury, the group condemned Donkoh’s actions, arguing that she has no legal, moral, or organisational right to take such steps without the consent of the board or senior management.
“This is nothing short of a power grab,” the Concerned Youth raged. “Sarah Donkoh’s memo shows a complete disregard for the structure of TDC and is a calculated attempt to bypass established procedures.”
But the controversy doesn’t stop with Donkoh. Al-Mumin Yakubu, the General Manager of Finance and Administration who is set to carry out Donkoh’s directive, is now under the microscope. Yakubu’s outspoken support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s NPP candidacy during the last elections has raised questions about his impartiality and political leanings. Critics claim that his involvement in the memo is part of a bigger agenda to use TDC as a political tool for NPP interests.
The Concerned Youth are not holding back. They allege that Donkoh’s actions are part of a broader conspiracy to fill key TDC positions with NPP loyalists, accusing the corporation of being hijacked by political appointees. “This is not an isolated incident,” the group stated, pointing to other department heads at TDC they believe have ties to the NPP. “TDC has become a playground for NPP stooges.”
The group has issued Donkoh an ultimatum: withdraw the memo and apologise publicly or face their wrath. In a defiant statement, the Concerned Youth promised to push for a sweeping investigation into corruption at TDC once a new Managing Director takes office. “We won’t let this go,” they vowed. “We’ll expose every corrupt head of department and ensure they face justice. Donkoh, Yakubu, and their NPP network will not go unpunished.”
The memo itself, which has been widely circulated, outlines Donkoh’s directive that Yakubu, in his capacity as General Manager (Finance & Administration), will now act as the signatory for letters that are typically authorised by the Managing Director. The aim, according to Donkoh, is to streamline the process and prevent a backlog of work. However, critics believe this is merely a cover for consolidating power.
The controversial directive reads as follows:
SUBJECT: LETTERS FOR MANAGING DIRECTOR’S SIGNATURE
“In order to ensure the smooth processing of files to forestall a backlog of work, you are requested to use the name of the General Manager, Finance and Administration as signatory for letters to be signed by the Managing Director with the title as General Manager (Finance & Administration) signing for the Managing Director. i.e:
ABDUL AL-MUMIN YAKUBU
GENERAL MANAGER (FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION)
FOR: MANAGING DIRECTOR
While Donkoh justifies the move as a way to streamline operations and avoid delays, many within TDC and Tema’s concerned citizens see it as a deeply problematic manoeuvre that raises serious questions about her leadership style and political agenda.
TDC’s senior management and board are now under pressure to publicly address the situation. Will Donkoh stand by her decision, or will the growing outcry force her to backtrack? In the midst of political tensions and accusations of manipulation, it seems that TDC’s leadership is in for a tough battle to regain trust and restore order.
For now, the Concerned Youth of Tema have promised to keep up the pressure, vowing that they won’t back down until they see justice served. Whether this is just the beginning of a larger political conflict at TDC remains to be seen.