The NDC UK and Ireland Chapter has officially launched its campaign and the 2016 manifesto in London, ahead of the December polls under the theme “Changing Lives, Transforming Ghana,” on Saturday, 1st October 2016, in North London.

In attendance to grace the occasion were: The Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency, Matilda Amissah-Arthur as the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu - National Vice Chairperson, Hon. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo - National Vice Chairman and Director of Elections, Hon. Kofi Attor - Director of International Relations, Dr. Ahadzi - Director of Research and Madam Catherine Deynu - Deputy Women Organiser and other dignitaries from Ghana.

The Chairman of the UK and Ireland Chapter, Mr. Kofi Kwakye in his introductory speech thanked The Second Lady and all the dignitaries for taking time out of their busy schedules to be part of the great event. He introduced the National executives, chairmen of various branches and the invited guests.

According to Mr. Kofi Kwakye, the NDC UK and Ireland Chapter has grown from strength to strength with the inauguration of more branches since he assumed office as Chairman. He also stated that the Chapter has been fortunate to host the President and the Vice President in the two main events the Chapter has organised this year. He advised members to maintain the unity and work hard to win the 2016 elections. Mr Kwakye stated that the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akuffo Addo who claim to be incorruptible couldn't declare his assets.

The Deputy Women Organiser, Madam Catherine Deynu in her speech stressed that the peace Ghanaians are enjoying in the country is as a result of good governance by President Mahama.

She encouraged members especially the women in the UK to come out with ideas to help empower our women back home. She also stated that more women have put themselves forward to contest as MPs to represent NDC in Parliament.

Mr. Kofi Attor, praised NDC for giving Ghanaians a comprehensive and workable manifesto for citizens of our country to know the direction NDC are taking Ghana.He also commended the National executives for successfully electing and completing the filing at the EC’s office for all its parliamentary candidates for 2016 elections .
He stressed that the NPP have still not been able to come out with their manifesto which shows their unpreparedness to lead the country.

Mr. Attor is therefore confident of victory in 2016 elections but not complacent so he urged members to take the campaign to the doorsteps of the electorates and encouraged members to come to Ghana in December to vote massively for President Mahama.

Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu in her address expressed her excitement to be part of NDC UK & Ireland Chapter manifesto and campaign launch, the Chapter she belonged to before going to Ghana to serve as a minister. She stated that the peace we are enjoying in our country couple with massive developmental projects makes Ghana a shining star in West Africa, and that President Mahama is seen as one of the best Presidents across the African continent. He deserves a second term so we should all support him to win the 2016 elections.

Dr. Ahadzi - Director of Research threw more light on the NDC achievements and stated that Ghanaians should not trust the NPP because of their track record.
Hon. Ofosu Ampofo commended NDC UK and Ireland Chapter members for their effort despite all the challenges in the diaspora. He advised all members to use the social media to campaign for JDM. According to him, NDC under Mahama has transformed every sector of our country; Education, Health, Housing, Roads etc. In his address, he stressed that the publication of the locations of all the one hundred and twenty (123) Senior High School buildings President Mahama has completed or at various stages of completion is an indication of a government which is indeed "changing lives" and "transforming the country".

The well attended manifesto and campaign launch by members in their party paraphernalia was characterised with jubilation and merry making.

The Chapter used this occasion to raise funds to support the campaign team both here in the UK and in Ghana to ensure that our message reach the electorates to enable them make an informed decisions to retain President Mahama to continue the good work he is doing.

Michael Frempong
PRO NDC UK & Ireland Chapter