Balancing Progressive Governance and Political Development: The National Democratic Congress in Perspective

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a political party in Ghana, has over the years distinguished itself through its commitment to national development, infrastructure expansion, progressive policy initiatives, and efforts to promote economic stability and improve the welfare of citizens.

This commitment was evident during the various NDC administrations, beginning with the government of President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings and subsequently under the leadership of President John Evans Atta Mills. It became even more pronounced during the third NDC administration under President John Dramani Mahama from 2013 to 2017, when the country witnessed significant infrastructure expansion and the implementation of several major national development projects. Many of these initiatives subsequently became benchmarks for successive governments and attracted attention beyond Ghana.

THE NDC UNDER PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

Under the fourth NDC administration, again led by President John Dramani Mahama from 2025, Ghana has witnessed what can be described as a period of progressive and purposeful governance.

The strategic appointment of Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers, Directors, and other public officials has provided leadership across various government institutions, agencies, and departments. These appointments, coupled with the implementation of several government programmes, are contributing to the administration’s development agenda.

The macroeconomic environment has also shown encouraging signs in recent times, including relative stability in the exchange rate, declining and more stable inflation, lower Treasury bill rates, improved domestic revenue mobilisation, greater stability in power supply, and relatively moderate fuel prices.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

One of the defining features of the current administration is its emphasis on widespread infrastructure development.

Major road projects, including the dualisation and expansion of important road networks linking Accra to various parts of the country, are receiving attention. Inner-city and rural roads are also being developed and improved.

The government’s 24-hour economy initiative has also created opportunities for the development and expansion of markets and other economic infrastructure. Significant attention is being given to educational infrastructure, including ICT installations, teacher training, and other programmes aimed at equipping the youth with the skills required to participate effectively in Ghana’s economic transformation.

These initiatives, together with several other coordinated programmes, have the potential to leave a lasting legacy for the country.

THE GRASSROOTS: THE FOUNDATION OF POLITICAL SUSTAINABILITY

While these achievements are commendable, the ability of the NDC to keep its grassroots motivated, engaged, and loyal remains critical to sustaining the government’s political strength and development agenda.

The reason is simple: political power is sustained not only by good governance but also by a motivated and committed grassroots base.

Once political apathy sets in among party members and supporters, the government risks losing the enthusiasm and confidence that brought it to power. This could ultimately affect its political fortunes and, by extension, the continuity of its development programmes.

Ghana’s political history provides important lessons in this regard. In 2016, the NDC government lost political power. Subsequently, the incoming administration pursued its own development priorities, while several projects initiated by the previous government were delayed, abandoned, or discontinued.

Among the issues that generated significant public concern during that period were increased taxation, expenditure on chartered flights, controversies surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral, the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), and the banking sector clean-up and recapitalisation exercise. There were also concerns about the abandonment or slow implementation of several infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.

Regardless of one’s political perspective on these issues, the broader lesson is clear: the continuity of development programmes is closely linked to political stability and the ability of governing parties to maintain the confidence of their supporters and the wider population.

This experience should not be repeated.

The NDC must therefore be proactive in preventing political apathy and ensuring that its grassroots members feel valued, recognised, included, and supported.

FIVE KEY INTERVENTIONS FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT

The following proposals could help strengthen the party’s organisational capacity and improve the welfare of its grassroots membership:

1. Establish a Comprehensive Digital Membership Database

The party should establish and maintain a comprehensive, secure, and regularly updated database covering all branch executives and card-bearing members.

Such a database would make it easier for the party to communicate with members, understand their professional backgrounds and competencies, identify their needs, and facilitate opportunities based on qualifications, experience, merit, and party structures.

A reliable membership database would also improve planning, mobilisation, communication, and targeted welfare interventions.

2. Invest in Sustainable Commercial Ventures

The NDC should explore legitimate and sustainable commercial ventures to strengthen the financial independence of the party.

As a corporate and legally recognised political organisation, the party can explore lawful business opportunities that generate sustainable revenue to support its organisational activities and grassroots development.

Rather than relying predominantly on periodic fundraising, the party should consider establishing investment vehicles and commercial enterprises whose returns can contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation.

3. Establish an Independent Members’ Welfare Scheme

The party should consider establishing an independent and professionally managed Members’ Welfare Scheme to support party members across all constituencies.

The scheme could provide assistance in areas such as education, emergency support, bereavement, disability support, entrepreneurship, and other genuine welfare needs.

To ensure transparency and public confidence, the scheme should be managed by a properly constituted board comprising credible, loyal, competent persons of proven integrity drawn from different constituencies.

4. Create Structured Opportunities for Youth and Grassroots Members

The party must deliberately create pathways for qualified young people and grassroots members to access legitimate employment, skills development, internships, entrepreneurship programmes, and opportunities within government institutions and the broader economy.

This should be done transparently and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, recruitment procedures, and merit-based principles.

A government that has the support of a strong grassroots base must ensure that its young members see a future within the political and socio-economic system they have helped to build.

5. Recognise and Support Party Veterans and Members in Need

The party must develop a culture of recognition and appreciation for its past executives, cadres, elders, persons living with disabilities, members facing serious challenges, and other loyal members who may require support.

No member should feel forgotten after years of service to the party.

Recognition does not necessarily have to be financial. Sometimes, a visit, a letter of appreciation, a public acknowledgement, or timely assistance during difficult moments can make a profound difference.

The party is fundamentally an association of people united by a common political vision. Therefore, the welfare, dignity, and satisfaction of its members must remain at the centre of its organisational operations.

CONCLUSION

The NDC has an opportunity to consolidate its achievements in governance while simultaneously strengthening the political and socio-economic foundations of the party.

Good governance alone cannot guarantee political sustainability. Equally important is the need to build a strong, motivated, organised, and well-supported grassroots membership.

The party must therefore pursue a deliberate strategy that balances national development, good governance, organisational strengthening, and grassroots welfare.

If the NDC succeeds in doing this, it will not only strengthen its political fortunes but also create a stronger institutional foundation capable of sustaining its development agenda beyond individual administrations.

The future of the NDC depends not only on what happens at the national level but also on what happens at the branch, constituency, and grassroots levels.

The grassroots are the foundation.
The grassroots are the strength.
The grassroots must therefore remain at the heart of the NDC.

Long live the great National Democratic Congress.
God bless our grassroots members.

3y3 Zu!

By: Cosmos Nunyenge Yakubu
Mfantseman Constituency Deputy Communication Officer