Godwin Ako Gunn, a long-serving member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Deputy National Communications Officer, has declared his intention to become the party’s next National Communications Officer, pledging to serve with humility, dedication and a fearless voice.
In a statement expressing gratitude to the party and individuals who have supported his political journey, Mr Gunn highlighted his more than three decades of service to the NDC, describing his experience within the party’s communication structures and leadership as the foundation of his ambition.
He also paid tribute to the party’s current communications leadership, particularly Sammy Gyamfi, whom he credited with contributing to changes in the party’s communication operations.
Mr Gunn said he is grateful for the support and encouragement he had received from Mr Gyamfi, his colleagues Kwaku Boahen and Malik Basintale, as well as communications directors Kakra Essamuah and Obuobia Darko-Opoku.
According to him, the communication team under Mr Gyamfi introduced changes in areas such as panel placements and press conferences held at live locations, which he believes have helped transform the party’s communication approach.
He acknowledged that the changes had not come without difficulties, but maintained that the results were visible.
“The Sammy Gyamfi-led Communication Team will arguably be mentioned as amongst the best we have ever had as a party,” he said.
Mr Gunn expressed appreciation to the team for its support as he pursues the position of National Communications Officer, adding that the experience had strengthened his resolve to contribute to the party’s communication agenda.
Outlining his credentials, Mr Gunn said he had served the NDC in various capacities for more than 30 years, gaining experience at the branch, constituency, regional and national levels.
He disclosed that he served as chairman of the Okaikoi North Finance Committee for four years and as a branch executive for 12 years.
He also served on the Greater Accra Regional Communication Committee for eight years and held the position of Deputy National Communications Officer for another eight years.
Mr Gunn said his long-standing involvement in the party’s communication activities had equipped him with the experience and institutional knowledge needed to take on the national role.
He described his ambition as a commitment to serve both the current generation of party members and younger members who would take up leadership responsibilities in the future.
“I have served with all my heart and my abilities, and I commit myself to serve the present age and the young upcoming ones. I see it as a promise to be fulfilled,” he stated.
A key component of Mr Gunn’s proposed agenda is to strengthen communication capacity at the grassroots level by training branch and constituency executives in effective communication.
He said the party’s next phase should prioritise equipping local executives with the knowledge and skills required to communicate its policies, programmes and achievements effectively.
According to him, empowering grassroots communicators would help ensure that information about the NDC government’s performance reaches communities through people who understand the needs and concerns of their constituents.
He argued that local party executives were particularly well-positioned to communicate the party’s message because of their direct connection with the communities they serve.
“Our next phase must see all our Branch and Constituency Executives being trained in the art and science of communication, so that together we can ensure the effective projection of the achievements of the NDC government,” he said.
“No one anywhere can tell the story better than you,” he added.
His proposed focus on grassroots communication suggests an approach that places greater emphasis on building the capacity of party members beyond the national communication team.
Mr Gunn also acknowledged the influence of senior NDC figures who, he said, contributed to his political development and understanding of party organisation.
He specifically mentioned Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, whose leadership at the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC), and Johnson Asiedu Nketia, whom he referred to as Chairman General, provided valuable lessons during his political journey.
He expressed appreciation to his colleagues on the FEC and the National Executive Committee (NEC), describing the relationships developed over the years as an important part of his experience within the party.
Mr Gunn said the opportunity to learn from colleagues, share experiences and support one another had strengthened the bonds among them.
He described the relationships as enduring, emphasising the importance of unity and collective effort in the party’s work.
His remarks also reflected the influence of his early political experiences, including his time as a young assemblyman in Niiboi Town.
Recalling that period, Mr Gunn said some people referred to him as an “Assemblyboy”, but others recognised his potential and helped nurture his leadership abilities.
He expressed gratitude to those individuals, saying their guidance had prepared him for the responsibilities he now hopes to assume.
According to him, the relationships he built throughout his political career were meaningful and had contributed to his growth as a party activist and communicator.
Beyond his political colleagues and mentors, Mr Gunn expressed appreciation to family members and friends who supported him financially throughout his journey.
Although he did not mention them individually, he said their assistance had helped him overcome challenges and continue pursuing his political ambitions.
He used symbolic expressions of gratitude to describe their contributions, referring to the water they provided to wash the dust off his feet, the bread that gave him strength and the fuel that enabled him to travel further.
The expressions, he said, represent the sacrifices and practical support he had received from people who believed in him.
Mr Gunn also reserved special praise for Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a leader whose kindness, passion, dedication, boldness, attention to detail and concern for humanity had left a lasting impression on him.
As he seeks to lead the NDC’s communication operations, Mr Gunn pledged to approach the position with humility, passion and a willingness to speak fearlessly on behalf of the party.
He presented his declaration as both an expression of gratitude for the opportunities he had received and a commitment to contribute further to the NDC’s communication efforts.
His statement also emphasised the role of faith in his political journey, with Mr Gunn attributing his progress to divine mercy rather than personal strength alone.
His declaration sets out his experience within the NDC, his appreciation for the party’s current communication leadership and his proposed emphasis on grassroots training as he seeks to become the party’s next National Communications Officer.
By 1960news.com
