By Alex Bossman Baafi
Much as I wish to congratulate the organizers of the recent NPP Tamale Delegates Conference, I must extend same to the winners and losers because they exhibited Maturity and magnanimity in the celebration of victory and gracious in conceding defeat. I wish Chairman Paul Afoko and his team all the best on their journey towards NPP Electoral Victory in 2016. The road between where they have started marching with their leadership mantle to its destination would be rough, but with hard work determination, discipline and focus, they will make it safely to the destination.
Among other things I have these few words of advice for chairman Afoko and his team:
There is power in unity. This is obviously the time to unite the party and bring everybody on board so as to push towards the same direction. Individuals and groups interests must be sacrificed in the interest of the common objective of the party that is winning power in 2016. Nothing more nothing less. Unity must be the key in planning and organizing the next flagbearership race of the party. Unity must be maintained and sustained at all times throughout the preparations, moves, and strategies until power is won in 2016. Indeed that is the ultimate task assigned to chairman Afoko and his team and they cannot afford to fail the delegates, the party and for that matter the people of our country.
Because of the shame and the disappointment of Justice Atuguba-led Supreme court verdict, the leadership of the NPP party led by Paul Afoko should make it the cardinal duty to spearhead the needed electoral reforms in conjunction with the electoral commission and other political parties. They should take the electoral process very seriously and consume much time to secure the necessary changes to enhance the credibility of our electoral system. Never again should the party and its teaming supporters be surprised by election results. Internally, the leadership should be extra careful when selecting their polling agents and precious time must be invested in their education, training, motivation and execution of their duties at polling stations to attain the needed victory in 2016.
After his election, chairman Afoko hinted of rebranding the party which is a good vision. The rebranding strategy must include projecting the party as the one for the ordinary people. The party has the track record to buttress that point as compare to the socio-economic hardships that has been brought upon the mass majority of the people by the ruling NDC government. Pro-poor programs such as NHIS, Metro Mass Transport, the LEAP Programme, National Youth Employment Programme and others carefully introduce by previous NPP Administration are good testimonies. The leadership should also brainstorm to craft good campaign message for the 2016 campaign. Here a careful look at what is unfolding such as massive corruption, in addition to the mismanagement in the key sectors of the economy including education, health, energy and the economy in particular could serve as a useful guide. Articulate your campaign messages based on issues, facts and truth devoid of insults and propaganda.
In setting targets, the team must make it a responsibility to recapture all previous lost seats of the party and target specific seats of the ruling party. Carefully evaluate the party’s strength in the enemy territories and strategize to capture certain seats in certain constituencies of the opponent. It is not overboard to achieve such targets.
Also work hard in collaboration with minority in parliament and do what it takes to block fiscal leakages on the part of the government to resort to budget deficit to fund its political campaigns for the 2016 elections. The Nation stood aloof whilst the government recklessly dissipated national resources to buy its way to power during the 2012 elections. Our people have now become the victims suffering from the implications of such wanton and irresponsible policy decision of the ruling government.
Keep complacency at bay at every step you take in the face of the severely suffering of the mass majority of our people. We now have high utility tariffs, high taxes, high cost of credit, and high cost of doing business in addition to high cost of living. There is declining fortunes of our national currency, the Cedi with high unemployment especially, youth unemployment in our country. These together with huge public debt have led to huge social cost that had made the ruling government unpopular. The government has been overwhelmed by the mandate of our people and has disappointed them big time by that does not call for complacency.
Do not forget that your party has impeccable economic management record. That notwithstanding, kindly remain focus by keeping your eyes on the ball at all times by bearing in mind that your opponent has incumbency advantages on his side but please know that power is given and not taken. By their performance, they will give up power though unwillingly but work hard to position your party ready to take power. We believe it is time for change and we hope the next NPP government will not disappoint our people after 2016 elections. Best wishes.