An aspiring Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Mfantseman of the Central Region, Felix Kwesi Abban, has appealed to party supporters to remain patient with President John Dramani Mahama and the party’s leadership as efforts continue to address concerns over employment and economic opportunities.
Mr. Abban’s call follows growing frustration among some grassroots members of the NDC in the constituency, particularly over what they describe as limited access to jobs, financial assistance and other economic opportunities since the party returned to government.
Some supporters have reportedly expressed disappointment over what they perceive as a failure by the party to adequately reward its grassroots base, with others threatening to reconsider their allegiance to the NDC if their concerns are not addressed.
However, Mr. Abban has urged party members to exercise restraint and continue to support the government and the national leadership while measures are being implemented to improve economic opportunities.
He said not every concern of party members could be resolved immediately, stressing the need for patience and unity as the government works to implement its programmes.
According to him, the grassroots must remain committed to the party and avoid actions or statements that could undermine the unity of the NDC.
“Right now, not everything can be settled by the leadership of the party and the President for everyone in the party. As a party member, my focus is to support and strengthen the grassroots,” he said.
Mr. Abban, who is seeking to lead the Mfantseman Constituency as Chairman, also pledged to complement the efforts of the national leadership by supporting grassroots members with initiatives aimed at improving their economic independence.
He indicated that his focus would include helping party supporters who require financial assistance to establish small businesses and other income-generating ventures.
“Whether you need financial support, I will ensure every grassroots member is given money to start his or her own business so that those threatening to leave the NDC will stay,” he said.
Mr. Abban made the remarks during a ceremony at which he presented start-up business seed funding to selected grassroots members of the party.
He explained that the initiative formed part of his broader efforts to empower party members economically while strengthening their commitment to the NDC at the constituency level.
He said empowering members to become economically self-reliant was important to sustaining the party’s grassroots structures and building goodwill ahead of future elections.
Mr. Abban argued that party supporters needed more than political mobilisation, noting that practical interventions that improve their livelihoods could help strengthen their confidence in the party.
He therefore pledged to continue rolling out initiatives designed to bridge the gap between party leadership and the grassroots.
The aspiring chairman also appealed to NDC supporters in Mfantseman to put aside internal disagreements and work together with the current constituency leadership.
He said divisions within the party could weaken its grassroots structures and undermine its ability to effectively mobilise supporters for future elections.
He urged members who had concerns about the direction of the party to channel them through appropriate internal structures rather than resorting to public attacks, threats or defections.
The event brought together some former constituency executives, former Members of Parliament and regional executives of the NDC, among other party supporters.
One of the beneficiaries, Joseph Kwesi Dawson, expressed appreciation to Mr. Abban for the support and encouraged fellow party members to remain committed to the NDC.
Mr. Dawson said the assistance had come as a surprise and expressed the belief that his loyalty and commitment to the party contributed to his selection as a beneficiary.
“I want to thank Mr. Abban for this support. I also want to urge all party supporters to continue to have faith in President Mahama and the NDC. With patience, things will get better for all of us,” he said.
Mr. Abban reiterated his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the NDC’s leadership and its grassroots membership in Mfantseman.
He said he would continue to pursue programmes focused on economic empowerment, member retention and grassroots mobilisation.
According to him, a strong and economically empowered grassroots base would be crucial to the NDC’s ability to maintain its political strength in the constituency and prepare effectively for future elections.
He therefore urged party supporters to remain united, patient and committed to the party while efforts are made to address their concerns.
Story by Kwame Kakraba
