A Message to Our National Communications Officer, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi

Dear Mr. Gyamfi,
We bring you warm greetings and congratulations on your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the growth and success of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Your leadership as the National Communications Officer has been remarkable, and we acknowledge the significant role you have played in shaping the party’s public image, articulating its policies, and defending its positions with passion and professionalism.

However, we write this letter with mixed emotions—gratitude for your efforts and deep disappointment for the lack of acknowledgment of the NDC’s communication officers in the diaspora in your recent New Year message. While we understand the demands of your role and the many priorities you must balance, we feel compelled to highlight this omission, not in anger, but as a heartfelt reminder of the contributions we, the diaspora communication teams, have made to our party’s progress and ultimate victory on 7 December 2024, general elections.

The Role of Diaspora Communicators
Mr. Gyamfi, many of us have not had the opportunity to meet you in person since you assumed your esteemed position as National Communications Officer. Some of us left Ghana years before the formation of the NDC, yet we have remained loyal and devoted to the party’s cause. Our distance from home has not diminished our passion; rather, it has fueled our determination to contribute meaningfully to the party’s success.

Diaspora communication officers and teams play an indispensable role in sustaining and promoting the party’s image globally. We serve as the mouthpieces of the NDC across continents, articulating its policies, defending its ideals, and countering misinformation from political opponents, and writing and publishing numerous articles on various platforms. Through our relentless efforts, we have kept the NDC visible and credible in international spaces, ensuring that the party’s voice is heard beyond Ghana’s borders.

We organise press conferences, conduct interviews, engage in debates, and leverage media platforms to amplify the party’s message. We mobilise resources, energise supporters, and build coalitions that strengthen the NDC’s base abroad. Our work does not stop at communication alone; we also advise party leadership on strategies based on the sentiments and feedback we gather from the ground.

Unrecognized Contributions
Despite our invaluable contributions, many of us feel sidelined and unappreciated. Ever since you assumed office, there has been little to no engagement with the diaspora communication teams. Perhaps you have interacted with a few individuals in the UK or US, but a majority of us across Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions have yet to receive any form of recognition.

Ahead of the 2020 elections, some of us went the extra mile to fund airtime on French radio stations to propagate the NDC’s message. Even after the setback of the 2020 elections, we continued to engage in debates with NPP counterparts on platforms like TodayGhanaNews TV, MyShow, My View, Agyenkwa Media, Recogin FM, Omega, and others.

We have worked closely with communication officers from the UK, US, South Africa, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Belgium, Canada, and over 50 other NDC chapters worldwide. Most of these countries have multiple branches, each with communicators working tirelessly to keep the NDC’s message alive.

Although we lack a centralised platform for coordination, we have found creative ways to collaborate, share information, and unify our messages. Our efforts may not always be visible, but their impact cannot be overlooked. Communication work may not be as tangible as donating vehicles or large sums of money, but its strategic importance in shaping public perception and winning hearts and minds is undeniable.

A Call for Recognition and Inclusion
We see you not only as a leader but also as a younger brother, son, and nephew, and we hold you in the highest regard. We respect and appreciate your dedication to the NDC. This letter is not meant to chastise but to draw your attention to a matter that deeply affects us.

We do not seek applause or undue praise. What we seek is recognition, acknowledgment, and inclusion in the broader party structure. As the party’s chief communicator, your oversight in acknowledging the diaspora communication teams raises concerns about how we are perceived within the larger NDC framework. If our contributions can be overlooked by the party’s lead spokesperson, it leaves us wondering whether our existence is even recognised by the National Chairman, General Secretary, and other executives.

As the Akan adage wisely states, “Wo nka sa wo tiri ho a, ye yie wo ayi bɔne”, literally interpreted — if you do not communicate effectively with your barber, you risk getting a bad haircut. This proverb reminds us of the importance of communication and mutual understanding. We appeal to you to bridge the gap between the national and diaspora communication teams, strengthening our collective efforts to keep the NDC united and formidable.

Conclusion
Mr. Gyamfi, our commitment to the NDC remains unwavering. We will continue to stand by the party, defend its values, and promote its vision, regardless of the challenges we face. However, we also believe that recognition and inclusion are fundamental to sustaining morale and motivation.

We urge you to reach out to diaspora communication teams, acknowledge their efforts, and explore ways to deepen collaboration. Together, we can build an even stronger communication network that will not only consolidate our recent victory but also position the NDC for greater success in the future.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to hearing from you and working closely with you to achieve our shared goals for the NDC and Ghana.

Yours sincerely,
Lewis Kwame Addo
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
On behalf of NDC Diaspora Communications Team