Akutam secures No. 2 spot in NDC Upper East Deputy Secretary race

John A. Akutam, a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur and poultry farmer, has secured the second position on the ballot for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Upper East Regional Deputy Secretary election.

Mr Akutam said his campaign is centred on availability, humility, financial independence and efficient administration, which he considers essential to strengthening the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking to the media after the balloting, he said the party needed officers who could dedicate sufficient time and attention to organisational responsibilities and respond promptly to the needs of constituencies, branches and grassroots members.

He identified the mobilisation of support for the NDC’s presidential candidate and the need to effectively organise against a strong opposition as key priorities ahead of the 2028 elections, particularly in the event of a contest against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Akutam said accessibility would be a major focus of his administration if elected, explaining that the Deputy Regional Secretary must be readily available to constituency executives, branch officers and party members.

He said this would require responding to calls and correspondence, following up on concerns and attending party programmes whenever necessary.

On financial independence, Mr Akutam said an officer occupying the position should have the capacity to meet routine operational needs without depending entirely on party resources.

He, however, stressed that such support must be provided within the party’s financial procedures and with the necessary accountability.

He also highlighted humility, approachability and leadership experience as important qualities for the position, saying the Deputy Regional Secretary must be able to listen, collaborate and remain committed even under pressure.

At the heart of his agenda is a commitment to building a strong working relationship with the Regional Secretary, effectively carrying out delegated responsibilities and ensuring administrative continuity whenever the substantive Secretary is unavailable.

Mr Akutam further pledged to improve communication between the regional leadership and constituencies through timely notices, accurate records, clear correspondence and consistent follow-up on decisions.

He said all constituencies across the eastern, central and western zones of the Upper East Region would receive fair attention, regardless of their distance from the regional office.

He also promised to protect sensitive party information, remain impartial in internal disagreements and work towards unity after the regional elections.

Drawing on his cybersecurity background, Mr Akutam said he would promote improved digital record-keeping, protect members’ information and strengthen the reliability of communication within the regional secretariat.

He described his candidacy as an opportunity to combine practical leadership experience with responsive service, with the goal of creating a regional secretariat that listens to members, acts promptly and remains connected to the grassroots.

Mr Akutam is contesting on Ballot No. 2 with the campaign slogan, “A new voice for the voiceless.”