Northern Regional Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has responded to growing concerns from some grassroots members over what they perceive as a weakening connection between the party’s regional leadership and its base.
Mr. Abdul-Salam, who also serves as Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), acknowledged the concerns in a statement published on his Facebook page on Sunday and assured party members that the regional leadership remains committed to serving and engaging the grassroots despite increasing national responsibilities.
“I have taken note of concerns raised by some of our esteemed grassroots members on social media regarding the state of our dear party, the NDC, in the Northern Region,” he stated.
The regional secretary thanked members for openly expressing their views, describing such feedback as consistent with the democratic values of the NDC.
“The NDC stands firmly on the principles of democracy, and it is both right and commendable that concerns are raised through appropriate and constructive means,” he said.
His comments come amid concerns from sections of the party’s support base that several key regional executives, having assumed government appointments, may not be spending enough time attending to party affairs in the region.
Addressing those sentiments, Mr. Abdul-Salam acknowledged that many regional executives are currently serving in various national capacities but insisted that their government responsibilities have not weakened their commitment to the party.
“While it is true that several of our regional executives are currently serving Ghana in various national capacities, this does not diminish our dedication to the party. We remain resolute and will continue to hold the fort,” he said.
He also defended the efforts of the party’s regional leadership, including the Northern Regional Minister, saying they continue to work under demanding conditions while maintaining their loyalty to the NDC.
“It is important to acknowledge that all regional executives, including the Regional Minister, are doing their utmost under demanding responsibilities. Despite the challenges that come with their respective roles, their commitment to the party remains unwavering,” he noted.
Mr. Abdul-Salam further rejected suggestions that he had become detached from the party’s grassroots structures, stressing that he remains actively engaged with members across the region.
“On a personal note, I wish to reaffirm that I have not lost touch with our base. My official communication platforms clearly reflect ongoing engagement meetings with grassroots members across districts in the Northern Region,” he stated.
According to him, despite his demanding role as NLA Director-General in Accra, he continues to prioritise accessibility to party members, often responding to calls and messages late into the night and spending weekends in Tamale whenever possible.
“Even while in Accra, I make it a priority to respond to calls and messages, sometimes late into the night. Whenever possible, I dedicate my weekends to being present in Tamale,” he said.
He assured members that his office remains operational even when he is away and encouraged party faithful to engage his team whenever they require assistance.
“As I earlier indicated, my team remains actively present at the office. In my absence, any of my subordinates will be ready and willing to assist,” he added.
Mr. Abdul-Salam concluded by pledging to intensify engagement with the party’s grassroots and reaffirmed what he described as a personal commitment to honest and dedicated service.
“We fully understand your concerns, and I assure you that we will intensify our efforts to maintain close contact with the grassroots,” he said.
He also paid tribute to party members whose sacrifices contributed to the NDC’s electoral success, stating that his guiding principle remains service to both humanity and God.
“My covenant with Allah is to remain truthful, honest, and dedicated in service to the men and women of our party who sacrificed their time and efforts, often under very difficult circumstances, to bring us this far,” he said.
The statement is expected to reassure party supporters in the Northern Region as discussions continue within NDC ranks about strengthening grassroots engagement following the assumption of government appointments by several party officials.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
