Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the NDC, has embarked on a nationwide thank-you tour. The tour has been met with mixed reactions from party supporters, with some accusing him of using the platform to boost his visibility ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Defending the Tour
Asiedu Nketiah has strongly defended his decision to undertake the thank-you tour, insisting it was a necessary party assignment. Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express on Tuesday, he dismissed suggestions that the tour was a disguised bid for higher office, describing such claims as either ignorant or mischievous. He argued that if the tour had been a campaign, it would naturally have been followed by an election.
Addressing Criticisms
Asiedu Nketiah addressed criticisms that the tour was the President's responsibility, declining to engage in a public dispute over remarks attributed to others. He stated that he could not ignore the growing frustrations among party supporters over appointments, recruitment, and other issues, especially amid reports of planned demonstrations against the NDC government. He emphasized that his primary responsibility as National Chairman is to keep the party united and ensure members support the government to succeed.
Focusing on Party Unity
Asiedu Nketiah said his message throughout the tour focused on urging patience over appointments and recruitment while reminding supporters that not everyone could be accommodated. He argued that he was already well known within the party and did not need to use the platform to promote himself. He emphasized that his goal was to quench the fires of discontent within the party and ensure that members remained united in their support for the government.
Honoring a Promise
Asiedu Nketiah also pointed out that the tour fulfilled a promise he made during the 2024 campaign when he visited grassroots communities to canvass votes for NDC parliamentary candidates. He stated that traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and residents appreciated that the party had honoured its pledge. He emphasized that his actions were guided by a commitment to party unity and a desire to see the NDC succeed.
The Tour's Impact
Asiedu Nketiah claimed that the tour helped calm tensions within the party, with all the fires of discontent being quenched. However, it remains to be seen whether the tour will have a lasting impact on party unity and whether Asiedu Nketiah's efforts will be enough to address the underlying issues driving party supporters' frustrations. One thing is certain, however: the controversy surrounding the tour is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.
Source: Joy Online
