Bright Botchway, the National Deputy Director of the Traders and Artisans Network within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth wing, has responded to a call by Rt. Rev. Prof. Osei Safo-Kantanka, a former Methodist Bishop, urging President-elect John Dramani Mahama to appoint ministers from other political parties. While acknowledging the Bishop’s right to express his opinion, Botchway questioned the timing and motivation behind the suggestion, particularly given the silence of such voices during the perceived hardships experienced under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He emphasized that these calls for inclusivity seem to have emerged only after Mahama’s electoral victory, implying a potential lack of genuine concern for the welfare of Ghanaians during the preceding years. Botchway’s response reflects a broader sentiment within the NDC, suggesting that such advice might be perceived as opportunistic or even disingenuous, coming after the electorate has already made their choice.
Central to Botchway’s response is a firm reassurance to the Ghanaian public regarding the NDC’s commitment to its campaign promises. He highlighted specific initiatives aimed at empowering artisans and traders, groups he directly represents within the party structure. These initiatives include a free apprenticeship program designed to equip young people with marketable skills in various trades like carpentry, tailoring, and masonry. This program is not only intended to enhance the skills and employability of young Ghanaians but also to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment, a significant challenge facing the nation. Botchway underscored his active involvement in the program’s implementation, emphasizing the collaboration with colleagues nationwide to ensure its effectiveness and reach. This hands-on approach signals the NDC’s dedication to translating campaign promises into tangible action.
Beyond the apprenticeship program, Botchway outlined further measures aimed at bolstering the livelihoods of traders. These include facilitating access to affordable credit, providing tax relief, and developing modern market infrastructure. These initiatives reflect the NDC’s recognition of the vital role traders play in the Ghanaian economy and their commitment to creating a more conducive environment for their businesses to thrive. By addressing the financial constraints, tax burdens, and infrastructural limitations faced by traders, the NDC aims to stimulate economic growth and improve the overall well-being of this significant segment of the population.
Botchway’s message also carries a strong call for national unity and support for the incoming Mahama administration. He framed Mahama’s victory not as a partisan triumph but as a collective mandate for national transformation. This framing emphasizes the shared responsibility for the nation’s progress and underscores the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges ahead. He emphasized Mahama’s commitment to serving all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, and highlighted competence and tangible progress as the hallmarks of the incoming administration. This serves to reassure the public that the focus will be on delivering results and improving the lives of all citizens, not just those who voted for the NDC.
Addressing critics, including religious leaders like the Bishop, Botchway urged them to contribute constructively to the nation-building process by supporting the President-elect’s efforts. He characterized the current moment as a time for action and unity, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in overcoming the challenges confronting the country. His appeal for collaboration transcends partisan divides and seeks to harness the collective wisdom and resources of all stakeholders, including religious leaders, in the pursuit of national development. This call for unity reflects the understanding that the complex issues facing Ghana require a concerted and inclusive approach.
In essence, Botchway’s response serves multiple purposes. It articulates the NDC’s perspective on the Bishop’s advice, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in such calls for inclusivity. It reiterates the party’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises, specifically those aimed at empowering artisans and traders. Moreover, it projects a message of unity and national purpose, urging all Ghanaians to work together towards a shared vision of progress and development. Botchway’s response ultimately underscores the NDC’s determination to prioritize action, competence, and tangible results under Mahama’s leadership while emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the nation’s challenges. This proactive approach seeks to build public confidence and establish a foundation for effective governance in the years to come.
