The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has celebrated its 32nd anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony at its headquarters in Accra.
The NDC, a social democratic party, was founded by the Late Jerry John Rawlings, who served as Head of State from 1981 to 1993 and as president from 1993 to 2001. The party was established in preparation for the 1992 elections, which saw Rawlings elected as president.
The flag raising event was graced by the party’s Running mate Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, National Youth Organizer, George Opare Addo National Vice Chairman Professor Joshua Alabi, MP for Klottey Korle Dr. Zenator Rawlings.
Speaking at the the event, National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, emphasized that their party’s focus is on winning the upcoming December 2024 elections rather than on festivities.
He said the party is faced with a formidable opponent in the upcoming elections.
According to him the opponent itself isn’t that formidable but the collaborators are more dangerous than the opponent itself so they’re standing alone possibly with the people behind them and urged party faithful not to relax once they are determined to fight for their freedom.
Reflecting on the party’s history, Mr. Nketiah acknowledged that although the NDC hasn’t met all its goals, it has not failed in its 32 years of existence. He emphasized that the party has consistently stepped in to address national issues and believes their current position is secure. However, he cautioned that their progress could be undone by others, who might even destroy the foundation they have built to ensure the country’s failure.
He said the nation is in a dangerous state as it approaches a crucial election, with efforts to ensure a peaceful election being thwarted. He warned against the militarization of the electoral process, citing instances where military personnel have been deployed in some constituencies during voter transfers, wielding weapons and intimidating citizens who funded their equipment and uniforms, essentially turning them into enemies of the state.
He urged voices of conscience to speak out against these injustices, citing Kwame Danso as an area where soldiers have harassed innocent citizens whose only crime was ensuring lawful voter transfers.
General Secretary of the party, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, urged party members to prioritize genuine love for the party over loyalty to individuals.
He emphasized that loyalty to the party should come first. Many members tend to align themselves with specific individuals, and when those individuals are no longer present, these members struggle. He stressed the need to understand that the party is more transient than any individual.