On Saturday 14th November, 2009, the late Benjamin Essuman, Known as Castro, was laid to rest at Nsawam in the Akuapim South District of the Eastern Region. Until his death, he was a veteran journalist and an employee of Ghana Palaver Newspaper, one of the oldest pro-NDC Newspapers which have stood solidly behind the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in government and in opposition.

Castro’s funeral has served as a wake-up call to publishers and journalists working for pro-NDC newspapers. The absence of both the government and party’s top hierarchy at the funeral was a betrayal of the late Castro who has sacrificed his time and energy by defending the party and also exposing corrupt practices and mismanagement of political opponents through his thought- provoking write ups. The party discarded him when he was alive and neglected him in death. What an act of betrayal!

This phenomenon of neglecting individuals who have sacrificed for the sake of the party must not be encouraged. Conscious effort should be made to uphold the probity and accountability principles which are the foundation of NDC but not to undermine them for parochial interests. One cannot understand the reason(s) behind the party’s failure to attend Castro’s funeral to pay such a committed party supporter who fought at the peril of his life his final respect. It is very unfortunate that grassroots supporters are not recognized and rewarded for their effort.

Since inception, NDC’s attitude towards pro-NDC print and electronic media is nothing to write home about. Committed Publishers and workers of these institutions are left to struggle on their own while playing vital roles for the party both in government and in opposition. Castro was an embodiment of the sacrifice of hardworking party faithful, who never get recognised. He was commuting between Accra and Nsawam, leaving the office late to board a vehicle to Nsawam and coming back the next morning very early. Castro’s case is manifestation of a party which has failed to help media men and women to make a decent living.

From the days of Ghanaian Democrat newspaper in 1993, NDC has treated members of staff with disrespect, failing to build a strong and sustained media to inform and educate the masses . People have suffered arrests, intimidation, death threats and other forms of harassment for working for Pro- NDC Media yet their contributions are not recognized by the party. To mention just a few, Bruce Quansah of Ghana Palaver Newspaper was abandoned by the party when his house was seized, Ebenezer Josiah, former editor of National Democrat was harassed by NPP and later forced him to lie about credible stories the paper had written concerning the NPP party and some officials. Opare Djan of Daily Democrat and Mike Dokosi of Daily Post will be in a better position to tell their stories. Benjamin Essuman , You fought for a fair and just society, May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Castro, we shall continue to honour your memory.