Former Odododiodioo Member of Parliament and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman aspirant, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has proposed the establishment of a dedicated welfare system to support former party officials, cadres, and other members after leaving public office. He emphasized that the absence of an institutionalized welfare and exit structure leaves some former MPs, District Chief Executives (DCEs), and other party stalwarts struggling after their terms in office. Vanderpuye made the call during an engagement with senior NDC cadres in Wa.
Vanderpuye highlighted the challenges faced by former officials, including significant financial and social difficulties after leaving office. He noted that many struggle to secure employment or rebuild their lives once their tenure ends. "As soon as you serve in a political position, when you exit, you become a pest," he said. "Nobody wants to come near you; nobody wants to offer you employment." He also cited the financial pressures faced by MPs, saying many leave Parliament with substantial debts after using their resources to support constituents.
The former MP proposed the creation of a welfare desk at the NDC National Secretariat to serve former MPs, DCEs, women organizers, and other party officials. He suggested that this desk would provide a point of contact for former officials to seek support. Vanderpuye also complained about the marginalization of former officials, citing his own experience after leaving Parliament. He stated that he had not been invited to any meeting in Odododiodioo for over a year and a half.
Vanderpuye also called for changes to the party's organization, including separating policy-focused party conferences from elective congresses. This, he believes, would allow delegates more time to deliberate on the NDC's constitution, policies, and organizational development. He cited previous constitutional review efforts and recommendations from party stalwarts that had received insufficient attention due to the focus on elections.
The NDC National Chairman aspirant raised concerns about the management of voter registers during party primaries, warning against loopholes that could allow non-party members to enter internal party registers. Organizers of the engagement emphasized the importance of involving senior cadres in drawing on their experience, preserving party traditions, and strengthening grassroots mobilization.
Vanderpuye's campaign for the NDC chairmanship focuses on rebuilding the party's structures and restoring support for its members. He emphasized that organization decides everything, but organization cannot survive without building structures that will sustain it. "We must rebuild that spirit," he declared. "That is what will help us retain power."
The proposal for a welfare system for former officials is part of Vanderpuye's broader vision for the NDC. He aims to restore the sense of solidarity that characterized the party's formative years. The NDC was founded in 1992 with the motto "One Family," reflecting its commitment to caring for its members.
Key points
- Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye proposes a welfare desk at the NDC National Secretariat to support former officials.
- Vanderpuye calls for separating policy-focused party conferences from elective congresses.
- The NDC National Chairman aspirant aims to rebuild the party's structures and restore support for its members.
