Chief of Staff to President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Julius Debrah, has urged candidates, delegates and party organisers of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to put the interest of the party above personal ambitions as the party holds its regional executive elections across Ghana and abroad.
He has particularly called on all contestants to embrace peace, discipline, tolerance and unity before, during and after the elections, warning against actions and conduct that could undermine the party’s cohesion and organisational strength.
In a goodwill message ahead of the regional executive elections, Dr. Debrah said the internal electoral exercise presented an important opportunity for the NDC to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles, responsible leadership and collective progress.
According to him, the process of selecting party leaders should not be viewed merely as a contest for positions but as a critical exercise aimed at strengthening internal democracy, deepening relationships among members and consolidating the party’s common purpose.
He noted that the manner in which political parties conduct their internal elections speaks volumes about their organisational capacity, democratic credentials and readiness to pursue national development.
The Chief of Staff extended his best wishes to all candidates, delegates and organisers participating in the elections, acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of party faithful who continue to commit their time, energy and resources to the growth of the NDC.
He also commended all individuals who had offered themselves for various leadership positions, describing their decision to serve as an important demonstration of commitment to the party’s development.
Dr. Debrah, however, urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with the established electoral guidelines and regulations to ensure that the exercise was conducted in a transparent, peaceful and orderly manner.
He further appealed to delegates and contestants to respect the democratic choices of members, stressing that the outcome of the elections should not become a source of bitterness, hostility or division within the party.
UNITY AFTER ELECTIONS
A major concern raised by the Chief of Staff was the need for successful candidates to demonstrate maturity and inclusive leadership after the declaration of results.
He urged those who would emerge victorious to immediately reach out to their opponents and make deliberate efforts to bring them on board in the administration of the party.
According to him, winning an election should not be seen as an opportunity to settle scores or exclude political opponents but rather as a responsibility to unite members and provide leadership for the collective good.
He encouraged successful candidates to listen to the views and suggestions of other contestants, embrace constructive ideas and identify areas of cooperation that could advance the party’s interests.
Dr. Debrah maintained that those who failed to secure executive positions should equally remain relevant to the party’s activities, insisting that losing an election should not amount to losing one’s place in the NDC.
He observed that every party member had a role to play in strengthening the organisation, regardless of whether the individual occupied an executive position or not.
The Chief of Staff cautioned against tendencies that could create divisions or make sections of the party feel marginalised following the electoral contest.
He stressed that the real test of the NDC’s unity would be its ability to bring together all contestants, their supporters and other stakeholders after the elections.
PARTY’S COLLECTIVE INTEREST
Dr. Debrah further underscored the importance of collective responsibility in building a strong and formidable political organisation capable of delivering on its mandate to the Ghanaian people.
He expressed confidence that a peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process would strengthen the party’s internal structures, renew the commitment of members and position the NDC to pursue its broader national development objectives.
He called on all participants to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance the reputation of the party and demonstrate that political competition could take place without destroying longstanding relationships and friendships.
The Chief of Staff concluded his goodwill message by invoking God’s blessings upon the NDC and Ghana, while wishing all candidates, delegates and organisers a successful electoral exercise.
The NDC is currently undertaking regional executive elections in various parts of Ghana and among its members in different countries.
The exercise is expected to determine the composition of the party’s regional leadership structures and influence its organisational direction, mobilisation strategies and preparations for future political engagements.
The call for unity comes at a crucial time when the party needs a cohesive and effective grassroots structure to consolidate its political gains and strengthen its support base across the country.
ENDS
