In the rural heartland of Ghana’s Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa Constituency, where farming sustains most livelihoods, Mr. Yaw Asamoah Buckman is stepping up as a seasoned National Democratic Congress (NDC) loyalist eyeing the vice chairmanship. With deep roots in the party, Mr. Buckman shared his journey, achievements, and vision during a recent interview, emphasizing his readiness to fill a leadership vacuum left by the late constituency chairman.
Mr. Buckman recounted his long service to the NDC, starting from the grassroots “branch” level. He is serving his two terms as deputy communications officer, honing his skills in mobilization and messaging. “I’ve been with the NDC for years, rising through the ranks,” he said. The recent passing of the constituency chairman has elevated the vice to acting chairman, creating a vacancy. “I’ve learned and worked closely under the acting chairman, so I believe now is my time to aspire for the position.”
His track record speaks volumes. In 2018, as a newcomer to the constituency’s political scene, Mr. Buckman contested for the communications role and clinched victory over his opponent by more than 200 votes. “Since then, no one has challenged me,” he noted proudly. In the subsequent election, his visible “head work” tireless efforts in outreach and delivery deterred competitors from stepping forward. While he values healthy competition, he observed that for the current vice chairman slot, “no one has come forward to show their face.”
Deep Community Ties in a Farming Stronghold
The constituency’s rural character, dominated by farmers grappling with seasonal challenges, shapes Mr. Buckman’s approach. “I have strong connections with the people and know exactly what they need,” he explained. “Without that bond, you can’t truly help them.” These ties enable him to deliver tangible benefits, transcending party lines.
A prime example is his role with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). Under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, 19 people from Odoben-Brakwa joined community police roles. During his tenure, that number surged to 113. Overall, he boasts, 213 individuals are now benefiting from YEA programs, including community prisons and other initiatives. “These opportunities keep our youth employed locally,” he said.
Education is another pillar. Through targeted efforts, Mr. Buckman secured GETFund scholarships for 16 deserving students in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, with some participants now engaging in further recruitment drives.
Beyond Partisan Politics: Relationships Over Riches
Mr. Buckman dismissed the notion that politics is solely about money, especially among the youth who often chase quick gains. “For me, it’s about building relationships, not just cash,” he asserted. He doesn’t strictly play the NDC vs. NPP game despite firmly believing the NDC is superior having successfully persuaded several NPP members to join the NDC fold.
His non-partisan aid strategy amplifies impact. He runs a personal foundation that recently distributed books to local schools, aiming to uplift communities. “We do these things so our youth don’t have to travel to Accra chasing jobs,” he said. As vice chairman, his role wouldn’t be job creation per se, but supporting the chairman to run an effective constituency. “Helping people from NPP, NDC, or independents attracts widespread support,” he added. This approach sells the NDC’s aspirations, proving it’s the better party for development. When jobs materialize under NDC governance, he reasoned, people will eagerly participate building on the “little” he’s already done.
In a constituency yearning for progress, Mr. Buckman’s blend of experience, connections, and inclusive ethos positions him as a frontrunner to steer the NDC forward.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson# ahotorfmonline.com