The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has defended the ongoing nationwide “Thank You Tour” by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, insisting the exercise is not aimed at advancing any flagbearership ambition.
Responding to concerns that the tour is being used as a platform for personal political gain, he questioned the basis of such claims.
“I think the question you should ask the people is whether the chairman is going round claiming to be a flag bearer?” he asked.
Dafeamekpor explained that the tour, which began around April 2025, was initiated after the party raised concerns about limited engagement with grassroots structures following government appointments and regional activities.
According to him, the issue of reconnecting with constituencies was discussed at a National Executive Committee meeting, where members stressed the need for leadership to appreciate party supporters.
“What I do know is that he’s been doing this tour from about April 2025, just when the government finished with the appointment of ministers and did the regional tours,” he said in an interview with Joy News.Regional news reports
“The deficit of not visiting the constituencies came up at a national executive meeting, where complaints were coming that the old man came around and they understood, but the party ought to come,” he stated.
He added that the tour is focused on expressing gratitude to party supporters, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders who contributed to the party’s electoral victory.
Dafeamekpor also dismissed suggestions that the initiative is unprecedented, arguing that similar engagements were undertaken while the party was in opposition.
Recalling previous visits by Asiedu Nketiah, he cited constituency engagements including Kpeve, Peki, Tongo, and the Dzemeni market, where the chairman interacted with supporters.
“He went to tell the people that we had won elections, but we were cheated, so they should keep faith with us,” he recounted.“So it is not true that this is the first time he’s doing Thank You Tour as chairman after a general election. No,” he added.
