The German Branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) held an Executive Meeting early this Month in Luebeck, Germany to discuss matters concerning the NDC party back home and also to deliberate over how to normalize the processes for the formation of the German Chapter of the NDC in the federal republic of Germany..

The event was attended by a large section of the party’s executive membership and Faithfull’s from the German cities of Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Luebeck, Leer, Oldenburg, and Stuttgart. In his welcoming address Mr Samuel Enoo, the Host (Luebeck) urged members to comport themselves in the meeting for a common goal. Thereafter, Mr Kwame Bridges Arhin, Interim Chapter Chairman asked members in the meeting to co-operate and work together for the equal goal of the Party.

In his short speech the Chairman of the Meeting and also the Interim vice Chairperson of the Interim NDC German Chapter, Mr Kofi Essel stressed on the reason for the formation of the Chapter. “This is to co-ordinate, administer and monitor the activities of the NDC branches in Germany whilst each Branch still enjoys its independency” Mr Essel Stated. He cherished the efforts being made by the Interim Chapter executives and the members in the Diaspora and encouraged them to focus on activities towards the coming general elections. “Our gathering is to foster relationship among Branches. We need collective ideas to assist the Party both in the Diaspora and at home. It’s our responsibilities to bury our differences and work hand in hand for our dear Party and the Nation Ghana as a whole”Mr. Essel advised. He asked members to find solutions to issues which contribute to the success of the Party. “We in the Diaspora are blessed with our achievements and experiences. We have to plan and/or find efforts being made by the Interim Chapter Executives and members in the Diaspora.”Mr. Essel reiterated.

Briefing the meeting on the NDC German Chapter Communication Team, Mr Chris Mensah, Interim Director of the Communication Team emphasised on the strategic ways to get the majority of the people both in the Diaspora and in Ghana well informed. He said “we need competent people who will take up this challenge”. He (Chris) infused that efforts should be made by the NDC Communication Team to constantly publish the activities and efforts being made by the Ruling Party (NDC). Further to his message, he (Chris) advised that members should refrain from the attitude of power crumbling within the Party and focus on positive contributions to the agenda of the Party. He (Chris) praised the government for her efforts to resolve some of the major issues facing the Ghanaian society. “There is lack of funds to improve communication in the Diaspora. On the issue of language propaganda there should be a Radio section to promote the Ewe and other languages for the party’s propaganda issues and should not only be the Akan language in the Diaspora“ Chris Mensah lamented. He (Chris) therefore pleaded with Branch members to assist financially in promoting the communication and propaganda network in the NDC party. Mr Karim Abilla a vocal and staunch member of the communication team also contributed and elaborated achievements and progress so far made by the party within 3 years.

Mr Alexander Okai Anane, the Interim Chapter Coordinator touched on the chapter constitution and guidelines on chapter formation. He said “a chapter is formed by Branches. A chapter cannot exist without Branches and that individuals cannot come together and form a chapter without being mandated by their branches or belonging to a qualified branch.” Mr Alexander Okai Anane, therefore, encouraged members to work hard towards coming inauguration of the chapter in May / June 2012.

In his short speech, the deputy Interim General Secretary Mr Isaac Prah-Hawerkamp said democracy is an idea system, so differences in opinion or ideas should not be seen as an attack on the individual. He called for discipline within the party and asked members to respect the constitution, guide-lines, rules and regulations which serve as a weapon to face the challenges of the party and the nation Ghana as a whole.

In his closing remarks, the chairman of the meeting Mr Augustus Kofi Essel expressed his gratitude to members for the time spent and urged them to continuously give all their best for the party. He also appreciated Luebeck for their efforts made in organising the meeting.

Report by: Mensah Dekportor (HAMBURG)

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