Aspiring Deputy Communications Officer of Ghana's National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Akatsi South Constituency, Japhet Festus Gbede, has submitted his nomination forms to the party's Election Directorate, formally declaring his intention to contest the position. With years of experience and commitment to the NDC, Mr Gbede described his hard work, fearless communication, and dedication to the party as a "political currency" available for the party to deploy in advancing its fortunes in the constituency.
Mr Gbede, also the Assemblymember for the Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area, previously contested the Deputy Communications Officer position in 2022 but lost. Despite this, he remained committed to working for the NDC and contributing to its activities. His continued work for the party after the 2022 election was known to delegates, forming part of his credentials ahead of the upcoming constituency election. This experience, he believes, has prepared him for the challenges of the position.
Mr Gbede's decision to contest the position is informed by his experience and commitment to the NDC. He noted that his contributions to the party's campaign and communication efforts in the 2024 general election, which culminated in the NDC's victory, demonstrate his capabilities. Now, he aims to "restart and reset" the communication machinery of the NDC in Akatsi South, with a stronger emphasis on innovation, digital communication, grassroots mobilisation, and effective dissemination of the party's development agenda.
The aspiring communications officer recognises that modern political communication can no longer rely solely on traditional platforms. With a significant proportion of the party's supporters and voters active on digital platforms, Mr Gbede aims to build a communication structure capable of taking the party's developmental initiatives directly to the people. He estimates that over 80 per cent of voters can be reached through online platforms, highlighting the need for an innovative approach.
Mr Gbede's selection as the youngest member of the Volta Regional Communications Team is evidence of his communication abilities and innovative approach to political messaging. This experience has strengthened his understanding of contemporary political communication, positioning him to bring new ideas and energy to the communication structure of the Akatsi South Constituency. He is confident in his ability to deliver, having demonstrated his capabilities in previous roles.
Mr Gbede's campaign is anchored on three key words: READY, WILLING, and CAPABLE, representing his preparedness to serve, willingness to work, and capacity to deliver. His campaign has also enabled him to develop a comprehensive database of delegates and their respective communities, giving him a better understanding of the concerns, needs, and priorities of delegates and the communities they represent across the constituency.
Mr Gbede's ultimate objective is to build a communication machinery that will not only defend the party but also actively promote its achievements, connect communities to development initiatives, and help take the NDC's message from the grassroots to the national and international stage. With his vision and experience, he believes he can make a meaningful contribution to the party's success in Akatsi South.
Key points
- Japhet Festus Gbede aims to build a communication structure capable of reaching over 80 per cent of voters through online platforms.
- His campaign is anchored on three key words: READY, WILLING, and CAPABLE.
- Mr Gbede previously contested the Deputy Communications Officer position in 2022 but lost.
