The Greater Accra Regional Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nukpenu, has announced the commencement of branch elections in the Tema West Constituency, describing the exercise as a crucial step toward strengthening the party’s grassroots structures.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Mr. Nukpenu disclosed that several electoral areas recorded no contests because candidates filed unopposed. He explained that such candidates have already been inaugurated and sworn into office to begin their duties.
According to him, the smooth conduct of the elections reflects the confidence party members have in some of their leaders. However, he expressed concern over the increasing difficulty in attracting candidates for certain executive positions, particularly the nine key branch executive roles. He urged more party members to show interest in leadership positions and contribute actively to the party’s growth.
Mr. Nukpenu further revealed that after inaugurating elected executives in Tema West, the party leadership proceeded to the Lashibi Ward, where another inauguration ceremony was held for newly elected branch officers. He expressed satisfaction with the level of organization and participation witnessed throughout the exercise.
Touching on the birthday commemoration of Ghana’s late former President, Jerry John Rawlings, Mr. Nukpenu paid tribute to the founder of the NDC, describing him as a fearless statesman who dedicated his life to national service and the promotion of democratic governance.
He noted that Rawlings emerged as a transformative leader at a relatively young age and played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s democratic institutions. According to him, the former President was never afraid to speak truth to power and consistently championed accountability, transparency, and social justice.
Mr. Nukpenu stated that Rawlings’ contributions to Ghana’s political development remain significant, adding that the political tradition he established has produced presidents and continues to play a vital role in the country’s democratic process.
He therefore called for greater recognition of the former President’s achievements and proposed that the NDC headquarters be named after Rawlings as a lasting tribute to his sacrifices and dedication to both the party and the nation.
The Greater Accra Regional Organizer also disclosed that a series of lectures and commemorative activities would be organized to celebrate Rawlings’ life and educate younger generations about his contributions to national development.
According to him, discipline remains one of the most important lessons party members can learn from Rawlings. He said the late President expected high standards from both public officials and ordinary citizens and never hesitated to condemn wrongdoing, regardless of who was involved.
Mr. Nukpenu identified sanitation, selflessness, and accountability as three defining principles of Rawlings’ leadership. He noted that the former President consistently promoted environmental cleanliness and encouraged citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings.
He further described Rawlings as a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal gain. According to him, one of the major challenges confronting the country today is the growing culture of greed among some leaders and individuals who prioritize personal enrichment over the public good.
Mr. Nukpenu criticized the increasing trend of land grabbing and the acquisition of public assets by private individuals, arguing that such practices undermine national development and contradict the values championed by Rawlings.
He also credited the late President with spearheading initiatives that expanded electricity coverage to rural communities and improved access to potable water across many parts of the country. These interventions, he said, significantly improved the living conditions of millions of Ghanaians.
On party affairs, Mr. Nukpenu expressed concern about what he described as a decline in mutual respect among some party members. He warned that internal divisions, insults, and unnecessary conflicts could weaken the party if left unchecked.
He stressed the need for members to respect one another regardless of their positions and work collectively toward a common goal. While acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in any political organization, he emphasized that such differences should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Greater Accra Regional Organizer underscored the importance of unity as one of the NDC’s greatest strengths and urged newly elected executives to prioritize reconciliation, inclusiveness, and grassroots mobilization.
He called on party supporters to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the ideals of the NDC, noting that strong grassroots structures will be essential in sustaining the party’s success and advancing its development agenda.
Mr. Nukpenu concluded by urging all elected branch executives to serve with humility, integrity, and dedication while working tirelessly to unite members and strengthen the party across the Tema West Constituency and beyond.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah