By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), May 7, GNA – Mr Abdul Ganiyu Mustapha, a former Director of Communications of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Krachi East Constituency, has called on the Party to prioritise branch elections and replace inactive executives.
He said the move would help with its ongoing reorganisation drive towards the 2028 general elections.
He said strong grassroots structures remained the bedrock of electoral success, noting that weak or inactive branch executives disrupted communication between the party’s national leadership and its grassroots members.
According to Mr Mustapha, the situation often resulted in apathy, low morale and poor mobilisation at the branch level.
“Fresh and credible elections restore legitimacy, give members ownership of the process and create an environment where branch executives can work together as a team rather than as factions,” he stated.
Mr Mustapha observed that healthy relationships at the branch level promoted smooth decision-making, facilitated internal dispute resolution and strengthened the party’s public image.
He explained that the proposed exercise would also help address gaps created by executives who had relocated for work or education and were no longer actively participating in party activities.
“In many branches, executive positions exist only on paper, leaving members without active representation and slowing mobilisation efforts,” he said.
“By holding elections now, the Party can replace inactive executives with committed individuals who are present on the ground, accountable to members and available to respond quickly to party and community needs.”
Touching on preparations for the 2028 elections, Mr Mustapha cautioned that the political landscape would become more competitive, with rising voter expectations and better-organised opponents.
He stressed that the Party could not afford to postpone preparations until the election year.
“Reorganising branches now will lay the foundation for early voter engagement, continuous membership drives and effective issue-based campaigning,” he added.
Mr Mustapha said strong branches would also serve as the first line of defence against misinformation and become the primary point of contact for new voters.
“Without early preparation, the Party risks entering the 2028 elections with weak structures, disorganised polling stations and a demoralised support base,” he cautioned.
He further underscored the need for capable communicators at the branch level to explain and defend government policies and programmes.
He cited initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Big Push infrastructure programme, the Oti Bridge project, water systems, markets, new universities, the Nkokonkitikiti and Adumawura projects, as well as the National Apprenticeship Programme.
“The grassroots is where these policies must be explained in practical terms that resonate with ordinary Ghanaians,” he said.
“Weak executives cannot effectively defend government policies or counter opposition narratives. Replacing them with capable communicators will ensure that the Party’s vision is clearly understood and consistently promoted at the local level.”
Mr Mustapha said effective communication of government achievements would boost public confidence in the Party and enhance its prospects in future elections.
“We shall overcome,” he stated.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah