Kojo Addo joins NDC vice chairmanship race in Jaman South

Lawrence Adonis Addo Cheremeh, popularly known as Kojo Addo, has declared his intention to contest the Vice Chairman position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Jaman South Constituency.

Kojo Addo is bringing more than two decades of experience in journalism, media management, political communication, entrepreneurship, community engagement and organisational leadership to the contest.

A professional journalist and communication practitioner, he has held senior positions including Chief Producer, Programmes Manager, Managing Editor and Managing Director during his career.

His professional experience spans several media organisations, including Happy FM/Happyghana.com, Adom FM/Adomonline.com, Hot FM, Top Media Group, Atinka Media Village/Tobinco Media Group, Coastal FM and theghanavoice.com.

Community engagement

His involvement in Jaman South, however, extends beyond his professional work and political activities.

Kojo Addo has participated in initiatives aimed at promoting entertainment, culture and community involvement in the constituency.

During his tenure as Head of Programmes and Production at Atinka Media Village, now Tobinco Media Group, he is credited with facilitating the presence of Di Asa in Drobo and Japekrom.

The initiative provided residents with an opportunity to experience the entertainment and talent programme locally while creating a platform for local talents to participate.

Kojo Addo has also supported the promotion of radio personalities and politicians from Jaman South on national media platforms.

He previously served on the board of the now-defunct Miss Jaman Beauty Contest and was also one of the judges for the competition.

He currently serves as Secretary to the Board of Jaman Nkabom Afahye, where he contributes to the organisation of cultural and social activities within the community.

He believes his involvement in these activities has equipped him with experience in stakeholder engagement, community mobilisation and organising programmes that bring people together.

Political experience

Kojo Addo is an alumnus of the NDC Party School's Institute of Social Democracy (ISD).

He says his involvement in the NDC's activities in Jaman South has remained consistent, particularly since 2018, when he began supporting the party through welfare assistance, communication, mobilisation and financial contributions towards branch and constituency activities.

During the 2024 general elections, he voluntarily served as a backup election agent and supervisor, gaining practical experience in election organisation and grassroots mobilisation.

According to him, those experiences have reinforced his conviction that the strength of any political organisation depends on its ability to remain connected to its grassroots structures.

Why he is contesting

Kojo Addo says his decision to seek the Vice Chairman position is aimed at strengthening the party's organisational structures rather than creating another centre of authority within the constituency.

He intends to work with the Constituency Chairman and other executives to improve communication, deepen engagement with branches and polling-station structures and create stronger links between the party and various groups within the constituency.

His campaign approach is captured in five words: LISTEN • CONNECT • DEVELOP • COMMUNICATE • DELIVER.

He says these principles will guide his efforts to improve engagement with young people, women, professionals and community groups while helping connect them to opportunities.

Building stronger connections

Drawing on his background in journalism, media management, communication, business and community activities, Kojo Addo says he has developed relationships with individuals and institutions across different sectors.

He believes those relationships can be leveraged to strengthen connections between the grassroots, the Constituency Executive, Regional and National structures, as well as institutions and partners outside the party.

He insists, however, that his ambition is not driven by the desire for a political title.

“I am not coming to compete with the Chairman.

"I am offering myself to complement the Chairman and strengthen the Constituency Executive. I want to bring my experience, relationships and energy to the service of the party and the people of Jaman South.”

Kojo Addo says the Vice Chairman must be accessible to party members, willing to collaborate with others and prepared to take responsibility when required.

His stated objective is to contribute to building a constituency organisation that is accessible, well-connected, organised and responsive to its members.

For him, the message remains: LISTEN. CONNECT. DEVELOP. COMMUNICATE. DELIVER.