The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has reiterated the party’s commitment to grassroots engagement and responsive governance as he embarks on a regional working tour of the Volta Region.
The tour, which has already taken him to Afadzato South, Ho Central, Ho West, Akatsi North, and Akatsi South, forms part of efforts to reconnect the national leadership with the party’s base, strengthen internal structures, and build unity ahead of the next general elections.
Addressing party members, traditional authorities, and residents in Ho West, Mr Asiedu Nketiah stressed the importance of constant communication and accountability between leaders and the people, describing such engagements as the lifeblood of every organisation.
“This type of meeting is necessary,” he said. “Those who were in the party during President Mahama’s time would recall that every six months, all government appointees, ministers, and CEOs were deployed to reach out to constituencies across the country to explain government policies, discuss their implementation, and take feedback. That is how we were always able to carry the people along.”
He lamented that in recent times, such direct engagement had been replaced by digital communication, which, in his view, can not substitute personal contact.
“For some time now, we’ve missed that opportunity because of WhatsApp and Facebook. We think by communicating on social media, we are reaching everyone, but that is completely different,” he emphasized.
The NDC Chairman, who has earned the nickname ‘General Mosquito’ for his active and assertive leadership style, underscored that he was elected not to be an “armchair chairman” but a field chairman, one who will stay in touch with the people.
“You elected me not to be an armchair chairman. I don’t intend to be one. I am a field chairman,” he declared. “That’s why I am here — to listen to your concerns, to assess whether what we are doing is effective, and to ensure that we are improving our systems through honest feedback.”
Mr Asiedu Nketiah also noted that part of his mission was to reinstitute outreach activities that were a hallmark of previous NDC administrations under President John Mahama. According to him, consistent grassroots engagement remains critical to sustaining good governance and ensuring that public policies truly serve the people.
“We must reinstitute the outreach programmes that kept us connected to the people,” he said. “That’s how we can explain policies better, understand their impact on lives, and make the necessary adjustments early.”
During his stop in Ho Central, he thanked the constituents for their unwavering support for the NDC and the government.
“On behalf of the party, on behalf of myself, and on behalf of President Mahama, I want to thank you for the consistent support you’ve given to the NDC,” he said.
In Afadzato South, the Chairman commended the Member of Parliament, Frank Afriyie, for his investment in education, including donations of chop boxes to support students entering senior high schools. He urged other leaders to emulate such initiatives, noting that the government remains committed to improving access to quality education.
“Education is the key to transformation. If you think education is costly, try ignorance — you will see which one is more expensive,” he remarked, drawing applause from the crowd.
Mr Afriyie, for his part, stressed that investing in education remains the most effective way to secure the future of the youth.
“It’s very important that we invest in our children’s education and ensure that every child can reach the highest level they aspire to,” the MP said.
At Ho, Togbe Howusu, a respected traditional leader, commended the NDC for its enduring legacy and contributions to development in the region. He expressed confidence that with renewed focus and unity, the party will achieve a resounding victory in future elections.
“When you wear the dress of victory, the party wins — but when you wear it again, the party wins massively,” Togbe Howusu said with optimism, urging continued collaboration between traditional authorities and the political leadership.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah, still on the tour to the southern Volta, reminded members that good governance depends on openness to criticism and accountability.
“Open governance means listening to everyone — even critics,” he noted. “A criticism is not the same as an insult. When you take the wisdom in criticism, you improve the system of governance.”
He added that the party would continue to work to restore trust, transparency, and justice, emphasising that lasting progress requires patience, discipline, and collective effort.
“You can not produce a baby in three months, no matter how hard you try,” he said metaphorically. “Real transformation takes time and dedication.”
The NDC Chairman is expected to continue his tour to other parts of the Volta Region, meeting stakeholders, assessing party structures, and rallying members towards victory in the next elections.
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