Delegates Rule
That delegates defied the wishes of an all powerful and popular General Secretary indicates that the era of the “big man syndrome” or the”strong man” in Ghana politics is gradually coming to full circle. No more falling in line, no more waving the magic wand. It may not necessarily signify the end of prebendal or neopatrimonial relationships but it’s enough encouragement to know that authorities or bureaucracies cannot take grassroots for granted simply through the old patron-client arrangements.
[contextly_sidebar id=”sWGowrMvpZ1YecS2HVPIEdAxM5vHK6zp”]The return of JJ Rawlings
After an acrimonious and acerbic relationship with the NDC especially during the Mills era, Jerry Rawlings is back to the centerfold of the NDC. Not only does he enjoy full recognition within the party these days, he has also refrained from the caustic and highly critical comments that were rampant during the previous administration. Some say the election of some new executives lends further credence to the resurgence of JJs men within the NDC.
The Rainbow Coalition
Every gathering of the NDC is an opportunity to see a fruitful blend between the various ethnic constituencies in the country–Volta, Northern, Fante, Ga and to some extent the B/Ahafo region. While the opposition NPP has struggled with shedding off charges or images of sectionalism, the NDC though known to have a Volta stronghold, seems to have successfully served as a fertile ground for diversity and multilateralism. The NPP would have to reinvent on this front in order to make any inroads.
2016
To be the first party to win a three term presidency, the NDC simply needed to refuel. Incumbent parties hardly change their executives but the NDC needed to recharge. Delegates must have felt Kwabena Adjei was way past his time. Already, the NPP seemed to have elected a strong an energetic team with the likes of Afoko and Kwaben Adjei and the Akatamansonians probably had one eye on their opponents on the party level. Poturphy, Anydoho, Kofi Adams and some of the executives will definitely come in with more fuel power to re-energize the machine for the next elections.
By: Dr. Godwin Etse Sikanku
Email: [email protected]