Former NPP Deputy National Organiser and lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr. Elvis Botah, says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is focused on fulfilling its mandate to the Ghanaian people and not the next elections.
According to him, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is already looking ahead to its flagbearer race, the ruling NDC is focused on the development of Ghana.
Speaking on Metro TV on October 21, Dr. Botah said the party’s priority is ensuring that President Mahama’s administration succeeds in delivering on its promises of good governance and economic recovery.
“Our focus as of today is how to deliver on the mandate the people have given to us, the good governance that we promised the people,” he said.
“Once President Mahama’s administration succeeds, all the fine gentlemen within the NDC who may decide to contest for the presidency will have a strong foundation to build on.”
He then mentioned some leading members of the NDC who, in his view, have the potential to lead the party in the future.
“My brother Ato Forson, if he puts himself up as president, very nice gentleman. He has served this country well,” he said.
“My brother Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, he has served under Professor Mills, was Minister of Communication, Minister of Labour, and now Minister of Education. He has seen it all.”
He went on, “Honourable Eric Opoku, who is currently the Minister of Agriculture, fine, fantastic gentleman, on top of his job. My brother Honourable Kofi Armah Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, fantastic personality. As for the Chief of Staff, who doesn’t know his work?”
Dr. Botah stressed that although these names have emerged in public discussions, the NDC’s current focus is on governance, not succession politics.
“What is key, what we’re focusing on now, is to deliver on our mandate. Once we have governed properly, once the people are satisfied, whoever we put forward as our candidate is going to win the election,” he said.
He added that the government is focused on issues such as job creation and youth empowerment.
“In almost every district, we have selected master craftsmen who have been trained and will be resourced to recruit apprentices in trades like tailoring and hairdressing,” he explained.
He also added, “We are giving out coconut, cocoa, and coffee seedlings so that young people can go into agriculture, create wealth for themselves, and help build this country.”
Dr. Botah said he is confident that Ghanaians will soon see the results of these interventions.
“We’ve been in office for 10 months. I believe by the time we are in our second year, when all these projects have fully kicked off, Ghanaians will see that they voted for the best government,” he said.
He further expressed optimism about the NDC’s chances in the next general elections.
“I’m convinced, without any doubt, that in 2028 when we go to the polls, the NDC is going to win the election. But as I said, we have not gotten there yet, that is not our focus now,” he stressed.
