The Milton Keynes Ward of the National Democratic Congress, part of NDC UK/Ireland Branch held its Biennial Congress over the first weekend in August The Meeting Place in Milton Keynes.
The sombre and joyous members and sympathisers dressed in various sparkling party colours filled the venue of the program. There were delegates from London and Liverpool. There was a high powered delegation of the Executives of the UK/Ireland Branch from London to grace the occasion and also to lend a helping hand in the inauguration of the new executives. The delegation was led by the Vice Chairman of the UK/Ireland Branch, Joe Ghans Lartey.
Despite an early heavy downpour, the mood of the audience was one of ecstasy and joy, as the Milton Keynes Ward is the first offshoot off the UK/Ireland Branch and had tried very much to keep this trail blazing. From a far off point, any observer could hear the party’s anthem and campaign songs blaring and members treating themselves to the tunes being played. The aura that clothed the occasion reminded every Ghanaian that the party was still in victory mood and members were not prepared to allow any issues to spoil the day.
The congress started about 7:00pm; the first session witnessed the welcome address by Mrs Regina Kumadi, the Women’s Organiser. In his term of office executive report, the Secretary, Mr. Peter Kumadi recounted the numerous challenges the party faced in Milton Keynes, notable among them was the refusal of local and some Ghanaian shops to receive any posters advertising NDC programs. He was optimistic that the situation would change in future. He looked brightly into the future with a sense of hope that the membership will increase and the support base of the party in the area will be stabilised, by activities such as forums, seminars and lectures to educate Ghanaians in general about the values of the social democrat ideals which the NDC party stands for.
The Chairman of the Ward, Mr Reginald Akafo, in his report, enumerated some of the achievements of the ward. He was happy that some of the executives had left for Ghana and had taken various positions in society and the main party body stream. This session ended with the dissolution of the old executives to be replaced by the new ones.
The second session witnessed the election of new executives for the chapter. These were sworn into office by the Vice Chairman for the UK/Ireland branch. He advised them to work hard for the development of the party, eschew backbiting and laziness. He was optimistic that more wards will be formed to help complement the work of the UK/Ireland Branch.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of his executives, Mr. Reginald Akafo, who was re-elected unopposed saluted the entire membership and all the old executives he worked with for the past two years for their hard work and the excellent manner in which the delegates’ congress was organized. He called on all NDC members wherever they find themselves especially those in the UK/Ireland to unite together and work for the common interest of the party.
The newly elected executive for the Milton Keynes ward are:
Reginald Amado Chairman
Peter Kumadi Secretary
Ethel Akafo Organiser
Rashid Khawasa Asst. Treasurer
Gifty Kpobi Welfare
Regina Kumadi Women’s Organiser
Andrew Ayitey-Adama Executive 1
Executive members to be co-opted in
Gilbert Amartey Vice Chairman
John Kaburi Treasurer
Frank Fiaka Assistant Secretary
Elijah Tawiah Youth Organiser
Albert Hayford Public Relation
Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah was present to grace the occasion and also to share in the joy and celebration of the membership. He used the opportunity to talk on a diverse range of issues. He admonished all members to eschew all forms of activities and issues which have the potential of causing the party votes. He reminded Ghanaians that the international community hold them in high esteem not just because of the elections but because of the good behaviour Ghanaians put up everywhere they find themselves.
The refreshment session was well patronised as members from all over the UK used the occasion to network, renew old bonds and make new friends.