CADRES OF the 31st December, 1981 revolution in the Eastern region were hosted by the Eastern regional minister and the regional executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 30th anniversary of the revolution.
The meeting formed part of reconciliatory efforts to bring on board cadres who seemed to have been neglected by the current administration, so as to help boost the party’s chances of retaining power this year.
At the meeting, which was held at the regional ministers’ residence at Koforidua on Saturday, and attended by some known NDC cadres including chiefs in the New Juaben traditional area, municipal and district chief executives in the region as well as the Deputy Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Antwi Boasiako, the cadres were asked to let bygones be bygones and come for the necessary logistical and financial support to enable them campaign at the grassroots for the party to redeem its sinking image as the elections drew near.
Speaker after speaker apologised for the supposed treatment meted out to them by the Mills’ administration and reminded them that they were still an integral part of the ruling party.
“I have instructed all the municipal and district chief executives in the region to readily open their doors to you and listen to your problems and whatever support you need should be given to you,” the regional minister, Dr Akyem Apea-Kubi, who chaired the meeting, told the cadres.
The regional minister said it was important that the party went into this year’s general elections with a united front because a divided or fragmented party would definitely cost the party the elections.
“It is true that the party was founded on the ideals of the 31st December revolution and we must not make the mistake to say that cadres who helped sustain the revolution are not important,” he said, adding that cadres were as important as regional or constituency executive members of the party.
The deputy minister for Employment and Social Welfare outlined the significance of the 31st December revolution and praised cadres for their role in sustaining the 31st December revolution and promoting its ideals.
He called on them to join forces with the NDC government, which was a child of the revolution, so that the party could win the December elections and continue with its ‘Better Ghana Agenda’.
“The Mills administration had laid the foundation for the growth of the country and had been able to secure a $3million loan from China so if we don’t join forces and we lose the elections, it will be a great electoral loss for all us as well as the future of the country,” one of the speakers said.