The National Branch Executives Advocacy Forum of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the party’s leadership to recognise, empower and support branch executives as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The President of the Branch Executives Advocacy Forum, Nana Yaw Kemevor, and the Deputy National Organiser, Matthew Kwao Bentho, made the call when they spoke on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme in Accra on Friday, August 28, 2026.
According to the forum, branch executives constitute the foundation of the party’s grassroots mobilisation and play a critical role during elections, particularly through door-to-door campaigns, voter mobilisation and community engagement.
Nana Yaw Kemevor explained that the forum was established to bring branch executives together and provide them with the necessary support and guidance, particularly because some members feel neglected after elections.
He said the forum is not intended to compete with the NDC’s existing constitutional structures but rather to complement the work of national, regional, constituency and branch executives.
He stressed that the forum was formed out of the need to consolidate branch executives, address their concerns and assure them that they are not alone.
“We decided to gather our members ourselves because who can know you better than your fellow member?” Nana Yaw Kemevor said.
He explained that the forum wants to create a platform where branch executives can raise concerns about their welfare and receive assistance when necessary.
According to him, the forum believes that the welfare of branch executives must be taken seriously because they are the same people who are expected to mobilise voters and campaign for the party during elections.
The Deputy National Organiser, Matthew Kwao Bentho, said the forum is also working towards becoming a formidable organisation affiliated with the NDC in accordance with the party’s constitution.
He referred to Article 9 of the NDC Constitution, which provides for the affiliation of organisations to the party, and said the forum is working through the necessary requirements to obtain recognition as an affiliate organisation.
Mr. Bentho stressed that the forum is not a racial, ethnic or parallel organisation but seeks to bring together NDC branch executives across the country.
He said the forum has regional structures across all 16 regions, with committees at the constituency level and national officers coordinating its activities.
He disclosed that the forum currently has close to 18,000 members across the country.
Mr. Bentho explained that the forum’s primary focus is on recognised, card-bearing members of the NDC, while also supporting efforts to recruit new members and expand the party’s base.
He said the organisation uses digital platforms, including WhatsApp groups, to connect members and facilitate communication across the various regions and constituencies.
He added that the forum also seeks to encourage young people who are approaching voting age to become involved in the party’s activities and eventually join the NDC.
Forum Seeks Economic Empowerment for Branch Executives
Mr. Bentho further called for economic empowerment programmes to be extended to branch executives to reduce their dependence on individual party leaders and Members of Parliament for financial assistance.
He said the forum does not have unlimited financial resources to address every challenge confronting members and is therefore seeking collaboration with the party’s leadership and government structures.
According to him, some branch executives may not need large amounts of money but could benefit from modest support to establish small businesses or livelihood activities.
He appealed to the NDC’s National Executive Committee, ministers, deputy ministers, government appointees, Members of Parliament, constituency executives and other party stakeholders to support the forum financially and organisationally.
Mr. Bentho said the forum is also exploring ways to connect branch executives to government livelihood and agricultural initiatives, including programmes introduced by President John Dramani Mahama.
He mentioned the “Kiti Kiti” agricultural initiative and questioned how such programmes could be brought closer to eligible branch executives.
“How do we get it down to the branch executives? If somebody is complaining that they have not benefited from the Kiti Kiti programme, how do we intervene and make sure that the branch executive is also empowered?” he asked.
He argued that economically empowered branch executives would be in a better position to serve the party and their communities without constantly having to call their MPs for financial assistance.
Forum to Support Members With Welfare and Other Challenges
Mr. Bentho said the forum has already intervened in a number of situations involving its members, including welfare, educational and legal or security-related concerns.
He cited an incident involving a branch executive in the Ellembelle Constituency who contacted him after encountering difficulties with the police.
According to him, he intervened by engaging the police officer and pleading on behalf of the branch executive, resulting in the member’s release.
He said such interventions demonstrate the need for a coordinated platform where branch executives can easily seek assistance.
Mr. Bentho explained that while some branch executives may have direct relationships with constituency executives, others may not know who to approach when they encounter problems.
He said the forum’s regional and constituency structures are intended to provide an additional channel through which members can receive timely support.
Focus on 2028 Grassroots Mobilisation
The forum also says it wants to strengthen the party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Nana Yaw Kemevor said branch executives are central to the party’s campaign activities because they are responsible for going into communities, undertaking door-to-door campaigns and canvassing for votes.
He said the forum therefore intends to unite and motivate branch executives so they can effectively perform these responsibilities.
“We are here to serve them and also see how best we mobilise and canvass votes for the 2028 election coming,” Mr. Bentho stated.
He emphasised that the forum does not seek to create a parallel authority within the NDC but rather intends to complement the party’s existing structures.
Call to End Monetisation of Internal Elections
Mr. Bentho also urged constituency aspirants to focus on ideas, competence and their vision for the party rather than relying on financial inducements to win internal elections.
He said the era of giving small amounts of money to branch executives in exchange for votes should end.
“Those days of money, the monetisation of elections, are over. You cannot give a branch executive GH¢100 and expect that person to vote for you,” he said.
He urged constituency aspirants to explain to branch executives what they intend to bring to the party and why delegates should trust them with leadership positions.
October 17 Constituency Conferences
Mr. Bentho further announced that the NDC’s constituency conferences are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, with conferences expected to take place across the country’s 276 constituencies.
He said the forum has a presence across the 34 constituencies in the Greater Accra Region and would be engaging members as the constituency conferences approach.
He mentioned Tema West, Tema Central and Tema South among constituencies expected to participate in the nationwide exercise.
According to him, the forum cannot determine the outcome of every constituency election but will encourage members to participate actively and support the selection of competent leaders.
He said the ultimate objective is to ensure that the right people are selected to occupy constituency positions and help strengthen the party ahead of 2028.
The Branch Executives Advocacy Forum has therefore appealed to the NDC leadership to work closely with the organisation and provide the necessary support to strengthen the welfare, economic empowerment, organisation and mobilisation of branch executives.
The forum believes that a united, motivated and economically empowered grassroots base will be critical to the NDC’s success in the 2028 general elections.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
Ahotoronline, Accra.