Deputy National Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Ako Gunn, has congratulated all winners of last weekend’s party elections, urging the newly elected officers to uphold discipline, humility and teamwork in their new roles.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Communication Team, Mr. Ako Gunn described the exercise as largely successful, but reminded the new executives of the weight of responsibility that comes with their positions.
On behalf of the Communication Team, I wish to congratulate all winners of last weekend’s elections. May your tenure be successful and productive. Always remember that leadership is a four-year marathon, not a sprint. Working together as a team will help us reach the finish line successfully and secure more seats for the party.
He charged the new officers to see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct must reflect its values at all times.
“As our new ambassadors, you must remember the words of our elders: ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I therefore urge you to put aside any old habits and embrace the beautiful regalia of representing the party at all levels. Your conduct, words, and actions must reflect the values and aspirations of the party at all times.”
Touching on recent challenges faced by the party’s communication wing, Mr. Ako Gunn referenced an allegation levelled against a former Constituency Secretary which, he said, threw the team into disarray due to the sensitivity of the office.
He said the incident underscores the power and responsibility that constituency executives wield, and prayed that the new officers would live up to expectation.
He further counselled the new executives on communication discipline ahead of their official orientation.
Before your orientation, one of the first lessons you must learn is the art of effective communication. Politicians are naturally communicators; however, I urge you to take this caution seriously: exercise your right to remain silent when necessary and seek clearance before commenting on sensitive matters. Otherwise, anything you say could be used against you and the party.
“Learn to control the urge to speak on every issue. This will help us coordinate our responses clearly and appropriately at all times. Please do not put our communicators under unnecessary pressure by making comments they must struggle to defend with graphs, figures, and geometric calculations”.
On emotional intelligence, Mr. Ako Gunn urged both winners and losers to show maturity in victory and defeat.
“Emotional intelligence is equally important, whether in moments of defeat or celebration. How we conduct ourselves today matters greatly for the sake of tomorrow. We must learn to celebrate with humility, accept defeat with dignity, and remain mindful of the relationships and responsibilities that lie ahead.”
He noted that while the weekend was largely successful, attempts by the NPP to associate the NDC with scandals have failed because of the party’s commitment to high standards of governance and accountability – standards he said must apply to party officials as well.
As the saying goes, ‘Sɛ nimɔ entumi wo ara, ɛtiti wo ntima.’ We must all be mindful of our conduct and ensure that our actions do not bring the party into disrepute.
He also had words of encouragement for unsuccessful aspirants.
To those who could not make it, hold your heads high. Support the newly elected executives with dignity and continue to contribute to the party’s progress. Remember, no door remains permanently closed to anyone. Keep hope alive, for better days lie ahead.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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