The Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (CDG-GH) has raised concerns over the neglect of long-standing, loyal National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in political appointments, urging the party’s leadership to prioritize committed grassroots activists over opportunistic defectors.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Executive Director of CDG-GH, Dr. Ebenezer Kofi Hayford, emphasized the importance of political loyalty and commitment in the party’s governance structure. He warned that sidelining dedicated members who have sacrificed for the party in favor of individuals who switched allegiances after the NDC’s electoral victory could lead to political despondency, mistrust, and apathy within the party’s rank and file.
Dr. Hayford pointed out that political loyalty is the backbone of any strong political organization, fostering unity, resilience, and a sense of belonging among members. However, he lamented that in recent times, some individuals who previously opposed the NDC are now being rewarded with key positions, while those who stood firm through difficult times are left out.
“It is disheartening to see opportunistic figures who previously aligned with other political parties now securing political appointments at the expense of hardworking and loyal NDC activists. This practice not only demoralizes the grassroots but also erodes the trust and credibility of the party’s leadership,” Dr. Hayford stated.
He criticized the growing trend where monetary contributions seem to outweigh loyalty and commitment in determining who gets appointed to key government positions. According to him, this sends the wrong message to the party faithful—that financial strength rather than dedication and sacrifice determines one’s place in the party.
Dr. Hayford further cautioned that if the NDC continues down this path, it will struggle to build a strong and committed political base to execute long-term goals. Instead, he urged the leadership to reward loyalty and hard work, arguing that appointing committed members would yield both material and intrinsic benefits for the party’s future.
“It is not just about financial contributions or lobbying one’s way into positions. Those who remained steadfast with the party, even in its darkest days, must be recognized and rewarded,” he stressed.
The CDG-GH leader also criticized the perception among some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that NDC loyalists are weak or lack ambition because they refuse to switch sides for personal gain. He encouraged NDC supporters to remain steadfast in their beliefs and values as social democrats.
“Political loyalty is about standing firm for what we believe in, even when it is unpopular or difficult. It is about being a voice for those who share our vision and working towards a common goal,” he asserted.
While acknowledging that it is still early in the new NDC administration, Dr. Hayford noted growing concerns among the party’s rank and file that their loyalty is being taken for granted. He urged the leadership to strike a balance between financial patronage and rewarding political loyalty, warning that failure to do so could weaken the party’s grassroots support in future elections.
In conclusion, he called on the NDC to uphold the virtues of loyalty and commitment in governance and political appointments. By doing so, he believes the party can strengthen trust, credibility, and unity, ensuring long-term political success.
