Ameyaw-Ekumfi urges NPP to revise campaign strategy

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August 14, 2024
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With the general elections just four months away, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Ekumfi, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), has called for a strategic overhaul of the party’s campaign approach.

In a statement, Prof. Ameyaw-Ekumfi underscored the need for significant shift in campaign strategy, advising the NPP to move away from traditional political rallies that, while effective in rallying party members and boosting morale, had not translated into substantial electoral gains in the past.

He indicated that the upcoming election required a focus on grassroots mobilization and localized engagement rather than large-scale public events.

“Political rallies have historically served as a means to energize our base, but their impact on vote counts is minimal. With the election fast approaching, we must adapt our strategies to ensure a more direct and impactful engagement with the electorate,” he stressed.

He highlighted several key areas for improvement. He emphasized the need to fully resource the party’s reconciliation committees, which play a crucial role in unifying different factions within constituencies. He argued that proper funding and support for these committees were essential for their success.

Additionally, Prof. Ameyaw-Ekumfi stressed the need for constituency teams, particularly those at the polling station level, to intensify their efforts to secure local support.

He stressed that these teams should work tirelessly to build relationships, and address local concerns to strengthen the party’s position at the grassroots level.

He also called for enhanced support for regional campaign teams to ensure effective oversight and coordination of these grassroots initiatives. He believes that by empowering these teams and focusing on localized engagement, the party could achieve better results.

He drew inspiration from former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s successful outreach to even the smallest communities. Prof. Ameyaw-Ekumfi urged the party’s presidential and parliamentary candidates to adopt a similar approach.

He emphasised the importance of reaching out to every segment of the electorate, regardless of size, to maximize voter engagement.

“Success is within our reach, but time is running out. We must act swiftly and decisively to implement these changes, and position ourselves for victory in the upcoming elections,” Prof. Ameyaw-Ekumfi added.

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Politics

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September 10, 2024
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2 minutes Read

Ghana’s democratic evolution ushers in new dawn of development — President Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the significant improvement in the country’s democratic dispensation, particularly under the Fourth Republican Constitution, has ushered in a new dawn of participatory governance.

“The voices of women, youth, and marginalised groups, which were often silenced during the years of military rule, are now heard loud and clear,” he noted.

Addressing the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) annual conference in Kumasi, the President said that the inclusive political landscape had brought all identifiable groups on board, with Parliament becoming more representative and civil society more engaged than ever before.

Ghana has witnessed one of the longest periods of democratic rule under the Fourth Republic, after the First, Second and Third Republican Constitutions were torpedoed in military coups in 1966, 1972 and 1981, respectively.

Since 1992, the country has emerged as the beacon of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa, upholding the rule of law to the letter to enhance political stability and sustainable growth.

The country’s democratic credentials are at stake as Ghana goes to the polls on December 07, this year, in an election described by political pundits as one of the most keenly contested General Elections.

The polls come at a time when the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, is reeling from a fractured union and declining democratic tenets, following the spread of violent extremism and military coups, especially in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

In the run up to the elections, President Akufo-Addo has assured the populace of a peaceful, fair, and transparent exercise.

“Elections are not merely a democratic ritual; they are the very lifeblood of our political system. They are the mechanism through which the people exercise their sovereign will, choose their leaders, and hold them accountable,” he stated.

The President was optimistic the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) would retain power, elaborating the successes chalked in various sectors of the economy over the last seven years.

“The NPP’s path to victory is through a robust defense of its exceptional, proven track record in office and the continuing modernisation of Ghana’s future, championed by our excellent presidential candidate and his dynamic running mate,” he remarked.

Source: GNA

Politics

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September 10, 2024
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3 minutes Read

We are committed to peaceful, fair elections – EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peaceful and fair elections in the upcoming December polls, stressing that its reputation is on the line.

At the launch of Citi FM and Channel One TV’s 2024 General Elections coverage in Accra on Tuesday, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, assured the public of the commission’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of electoral integrity.

Dr. Asare emphasized that the EC and its officials are under scrutiny from both the country and the international community, and that failure is not an option.

“The commission is fully committed. Our reputation is on the line. We know many people. Mr Avle and I used to be in the LPU together. He used to be my Sunday school teacher. We’ve known each other for many, many years. So, I will find it very, very strange for him to hear that I got an opportunity to do something for my country and I didn’t do it right. Our reputations are on the line. We have family members; we have friends like everyone else.

“When I used to be at Legon, every year I’m teaching over 2000 students. So I know many people and I think all these people will be counting on me that the great work I did, I was teaching at the University of Ghana, I should be able to replicate that and the commission is fully committed and we, the noise we hear, we know that we’ll do a good thing and we know the good Lord out there will also ensure that he blesses the work of our hands.”

“So, we know, come December 7, the processes I outlined, we only need the parties to have their agents at the polling stations and when the counting is done, everything will be done clearly. So, the commission will make sure that we deliver another successful election,” Dr Bossman Asare underscored.

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) also called on the police to take stringent action against individuals who commit electoral offences during the upcoming 2024 General Elections.

National Coordinator of CODEO, Albert Arhin emphasised the need for accountability and strict enforcement of electoral laws to ensure a free, fair, and credible election process.

Mr Arhin highlighted the detrimental impact of electoral offences on the democratic process and urged the EC to punish offenders to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Impunity is so much that is why wrongdoing is still ongoing…When people are apprehended, they should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others,” he stated.

Source: citinewsroom.com