Former National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, Joshua Akamba, has issued a strong warning to some government appointees within the party, indicating that he may soon publicly expose individuals he believes have abandoned grassroots supporters despite their contributions to the party’s electoral success.
Speaking on Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, Hon. Akamba clarified recent comments he made regarding growing dissatisfaction among some party footsoldiers and grassroots members of the NDC.
According to him, many loyal supporters who worked tirelessly for the party’s victory in the 2024 general election now feel neglected and disconnected from those currently enjoying appointments and positions within government.
Hon. Akamba also reflected on the political fortunes of former President John Dramani Mahama, stating that he still regrets the NDC’s defeat in the 2016 general election. He argued that Ghanaians should have granted President Mahama a second term in office based on what he described as the numerous developmental projects executed during his administration.
He further alleged that the then opposition New Patriotic Party successfully used propaganda and misinformation to win political power in 2016.
According to Hon. Akamba, the NDC at the time failed to effectively communicate its achievements to the Ghanaian electorate, a situation he believes contributed significantly to the party’s electoral defeat.
“After witnessing what he described as eight years of poor governance and economic hardship under the NPP administration, Hon. Akamba said he now strongly believes President Mahama deserved continuity in office,” he stated during the interview.
The former NDC National Organiser went on to compare President Mahama’s leadership style to that of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, citing what he described as a strong developmental vision and governance approach focused on national transformation.
Addressing concerns raised by party supporters, Hon. Akamba acknowledged efforts by President Mahama to create opportunities for party faithful through appointments of some constituency executives into government positions. However, he questioned why complaints from grassroots supporters continue to persist despite those appointments.
He suggested that there may be a growing disconnect between political appointees and the grassroots members who played key roles in returning the party to power.
According to him, many party footsoldiers sacrificed their time, financial resources, and in some instances risked their personal safety to campaign for the NDC during the election period. He stressed that such sacrifices should not be ignored.
“Those loyal supporters must not be neglected because the party will need them again in future political battles,” he emphasized.
Hon. Akamba further revealed that several constituency executives who contributed significantly to the party’s campaign efforts are currently facing economic difficulties and struggling to make ends meet.
He therefore urged government appointees, Members of Parliament, and constituency executives to maintain regular engagement with grassroots supporters, listen to their concerns, and where possible assist in addressing their grievances.
While defending President Mahama’s efforts to strengthen party structures and empower members, Hon. Akamba maintained that appointees also have a responsibility to remain accessible, humble, and connected to the grassroots base of the party.
He concluded by calling on all members of the NDC to remain united and work hard to ensure the party stays in power for an extended period, adding that sustained political success would create opportunities for more loyal party members — including himself — to benefit from future appointments.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah.
