The communication team of Ebi Bright, former Parliamentary Candidate for Tema Central, has firmly responded to growing calls from some youth groups in the area demanding that President John Dramani Mahama appoint a native of Tema as the next Metropolitan Chief Executive.

The calls, which elements of the Tema Traditional Council have echoed, have sparked public demonstrations — including the burning of tyres at the premises of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly — as part of a campaign to ensure that only an “indigenous” candidate is nominated for the role.

The youth argue that only a native of Tema can fully understand and effectively address the community’s unique concerns while also preserving its cultural heritage.

In a statement released by Ebi Bright’s communications team, the group refuted claims that she lacks indigenous ties to the area.

The statement emphasised her deep-rooted cultural and familial connections to both the Ga-Adangbe people and the broader Tema community.

“It has come to our attention that some have gone as far as to falsely claim that she is not Ghanaian. We, as supporters of Ebi Bright would like to state the facts. Ebi Bright is not only Ghanaian by birth, but also by heritage on both maternal and paternal lines: Her mother is Ga-Adangbe, and her paternal grandmother is also Ga-Adangbe, firmly rooting her in the ethnic and cultural heritage of Greater Accra. Her patrilineal lineage is of a renowned Anlo-Ewe family from Anyako in the Volta Region,” part of the statement read.

The team further stressed that Ebi Bright’s upbringing and lived experiences in Tema have shaped her deep understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations.