My hardwork, fearless communication is a political currency for everyone to spend in Akatsi South - Japhet Festus Gbede

Aspiring Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi South Constituency, Japhet Festus Gbede, has described his hard work, fearless communication and commitment to the party as a “political currency” available for the party to deploy in advancing its fortunes in the constituency.

Mr Gbede who is also the Assemblymember for the Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area made the remarks after submitting his nomination forms to the party’s Election Directorate, formally declaring his intention to contest the position.

According to him, his decision to contest the position is informed by years of experience and commitment to the NDC, having previously contested the same position in 2022.

He said although he lost the 2022 election, he did not abandon the party or its structures but remained committed to working for the NDC and contributing to its activities.

“I contested this position in 2022, so I know the road. I know the terrain, I know the challenges and I know what the job requires,” he said.

Mr Gbede who is also the special aide to the Ghana Ambassador to Saudi Arabia noted that his continued work for the party after the 2022 election was known to delegates, stressing that his contributions formed part of his credentials ahead of the upcoming constituency election.

He said his commitment to the party also extended into the 2024 general election, where he contributed to the party’s campaign and communication efforts that culminated in the NDC’s victory.

The aspiring communications officer said the time had come 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.

He argued that modern political communication could no longer depend solely on traditional platforms, particularly at a time when a significant proportion of the party’s supporters and voters were active on digital platforms.

According to him, his vision is to build a communication structure capable of taking the party’s developmental initiatives directly to the people, including the more than 80 per cent of voters he says can be reached through online platforms.

Mr Gbede further pointed to his selection as the youngest member of the Volta Regional Communications Team as evidence of his communication abilities and innovative approach to political messaging.

He said the experience had strengthened his understanding of contemporary political communication and positioned him to bring new ideas and energy to the communication structure of the Akatsi South Constituency.

“Akatsi South knows who is ready to work. Akatsi South knows who knows the job. I have demonstrated what I can do, and I am ready to bring that experience to the constituency,” he stated.

He also disclosed that his campaign was anchored on three key words; READY, WILLING and CAPABLE which, according to him, represent his preparedness to serve, willingness to work and capacity to deliver.

Mr Gbede said his campaign had 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.

He explained that such information would help the party better understand what each community needs, when it needs it and how the party’s communication and organisational structures could respond effectively.

He said his ultimate objective was to build a communication machinery that would 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.

“My hard work and fearless communication are a political currency for everyone to spend in Akatsi South,” Mr Gbede said.