The Zongo Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) UK & Ireland Chapter extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama on his resounding victory in the Tamale Central parliamentary primaries. This victory underscores the robust internal democracy within the NDC, and the Caucus expresses unwavering confidence in Professor Seidu’s ability to represent the party with distinction and secure victory in the upcoming by-election. The Caucus also acknowledges and commends all twelve aspirants who contested the primaries, particularly highlighting the spirited campaign of Alhaj Alhassan Mbalba, whose dedication and vision for the constituency are exemplary. Their collective participation has enriched the party’s democratic processes and serves as an inspiration for future leaders.
The Caucus closely followed the election, recognizing the significant challenge posed by the compressed two-week campaign period. This timeframe severely limited candidates’ ability to effectively mobilize resources and communicate their message across the constituency. Despite these constraints, the Caucus expresses deep gratitude for the swift and generous support provided by NDC diaspora members across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Canada, the US, and other chapters. The substantial contributions to Alhaj Mbalba’s campaign demonstrate the passion and power of the diaspora community, highlighting their commitment and ability to mobilize effectively despite logistical hurdles. The Caucus takes immense pride in the collective achievement despite the challenging circumstances.
This election experience underscores the crucial need for a structured approach to diaspora engagement in Ghanaian politics. The increasing number of qualified and passionate diaspora members seeking to contribute to national development represents a valuable asset that requires strategic cultivation. The ad-hoc nature of current support systems is inadequate. Therefore, the Zongo Caucus calls upon all NDC diaspora chapters and the party leadership to immediately develop a formal framework for diaspora candidate support.
This framework should encompass timely financial, logistical, and strategic assistance for diaspora members aspiring to public office. Such a framework would not only streamline support processes but also signal the party’s commitment to leveraging the expertise and resources of its diaspora members. The Caucus believes that transforming this recent experience into a structured support system will significantly strengthen the party’s future electoral prospects.
The Zongo Caucus reiterates its congratulations to Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama and pledges its full support to ensure a decisive NDC victory in the Tamale Central by-election, even with the presence of an independent candidate following the NPP’s withdrawal. The Caucus underscores its unwavering commitment to unity and collective action towards this goal. This unity and commitment, coupled with the strategic engagement of the diaspora, will be instrumental in securing victory.
Moving forward, the Zongo Caucus envisions a more structured and strategic approach to diaspora engagement. The proposed framework will not only facilitate more effective support for future candidates but also create a stronger connection between the diaspora and the party’s activities in Ghana. This strengthened connection will be vital for leveraging the diaspora’s resources and expertise, ultimately contributing to the NDC’s long-term success and national development. The Caucus calls for a united front, both within Ghana and across the diaspora, to achieve this shared goal.
