Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi Central, Hon. Ing. George Kofi Arthur, has outlined an ambitious 10-point development agenda as part of his campaign to become the next Western Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr. Arthur, who is contesting the position with ballot number two, is seeking to lead the party in the Western Region under the leadership theme, “From Addition to Multiplication,” with the slogan, “Experience to Excellence – The Right Choice.”
The former legislator says his vision is to build a stronger, more united, inclusive and development-oriented NDC in the Western Region while strengthening the party’s organisational structures across all 17 constituencies.
His campaign is anchored on what he describes as years of parliamentary, political and administrative experience, coupled with a commitment to grassroots mobilisation, youth development and equal opportunities for party members.
TEN-POINT DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
At the centre of his campaign is a commitment to promote unity, peace and reconciliation within the party.
Mr. Arthur believes that a united front is essential to strengthening the NDC’s electoral fortunes and building a formidable political organisation capable of addressing the needs of its members and supporters.
He has consequently pledged to promote reconciliation among party members, encourage inclusiveness and strengthen internal collaboration to minimise divisions and consolidate the party’s support base.
On grassroots empowerment, the former MP intends to strengthen branch and constituency structures through targeted training, provision of resources and other forms of institutional support.
According to his campaign blueprint, empowering grassroots members would improve party organisation, enhance mobilisation and ensure that members at the community level are actively involved in decision-making processes.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION
Youth employment also features prominently in his proposed agenda.
Mr. Arthur is proposing the establishment of a Regional Opportunities Desk to facilitate access to verified job opportunities, apprenticeships and internship placements for young people in the region.
The initiative, according to his campaign, is intended to create stronger links between young people and employment opportunities while equipping them with relevant skills to compete in the changing labour market.
He has also promised to promote education and scholarship opportunities for party members and the youth through access to scholarships, vocational training and skills development programmes.
Women’s empowerment is another major component of the agenda.
He intends to promote women’s participation in leadership, provide skills training and support business development initiatives to improve their economic independence and representation in party structures.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
On economic empowerment, Mr. Arthur has pledged to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agribusinesses, construction businesses and technology-based enterprises through training and institutional linkages.
He believes that supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs would contribute to economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods across the Western Region.
The former legislator is also proposing a digital transformation programme to modernise party administration through digital systems, research and improved communication.
The initiative is expected to strengthen information management, improve coordination among party structures and enhance communication between regional executives, constituency officers and grassroots members.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND MEMBER WELFARE
Infrastructure and regional development also form part of his proposed priorities.
He has pledged to advocate improved roads, agriculture, housing, education, healthcare and other critical development needs across the Western Region.
The campaign blueprint further identifies members’ welfare as an important responsibility of regional leadership.
Mr. Arthur is proposing the establishment of a transparent welfare fund to provide assistance to party members who find themselves in difficult circumstances.
He has also emphasised equal opportunities for all 17 constituencies, promising fair access to training programmes, opportunities and regional initiatives irrespective of constituency affiliation.
EXPERIENCE AND POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Mr. Arthur is presenting his parliamentary and political background as a major qualification for the regional chairmanship position.
He served three consecutive terms as Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central from 2005 to 2017, giving him 12 years of parliamentary experience.
During his time in Parliament, he served as Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee and was also a former Deputy Ranking Member of the Public Accounts Committee.
He further served on the Roads and Transport, Agriculture, Housing, Employment and Social Welfare and Privileges Committees.
Beyond Parliament, Mr. Arthur’s political credentials include his previous position as General Secretary of the NDC Mpohor Constituency and membership of the party’s National Communications Team.
He was also President of the Technology Students Association.
An educationist, engineer and development practitioner, he believes his professional background and political experience place him in a strong position to provide effective leadership for the party in the Western Region.
CALL FOR SUPPORT
As the regional chairmanship contest gathers momentum, Mr. Arthur is appealing to delegates to support his candidature, arguing that the party requires experienced and forward-looking leadership to strengthen its structures and expand its political influence.
His campaign maintains that the proposed agenda will prioritise unity, grassroots participation, economic empowerment, institutional strengthening and the welfare of party members.
With ballot number two, the former Amenfi Central MP is seeking to convince delegates that his proposed leadership approach, captured in the theme “From Addition to Multiplication,” offers an opportunity to transform the party’s organisational capacity and strengthen its presence across the Western Region.
