NDC@25: Let's restore probity – Sylvester Mensah

A former Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and a leading figure in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sylvester Mensah, has called on the rank and file of the NDC to use the 25th anniversary celebrations for “the moulding of values of probity, accountability, and integrity”.

The NDC commenced its 25th anniversary on Thursday June 8. The party held a rally at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday June 10, where leading members including former presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Mahama addressed hundreds of supporters who thronged the event.

Commenting on the anniversary on his Facebook page on Monday, June 12, Mr Mensah said: “Our political tradition restored our country to economic prosperity and opportunity and revived popular interest in democratic governance.

“The NDC has made the most impressive developmental impressions on our country since the days of Kwame Nkrumah, and we must be proud of our heritage and achievements – but 25 years is also a moment to redouble our steps in rededicating ourselves to the moulding values of probity, accountability, and integrity.

“As we reflect on the past 25 years and focus on regrouping, reorganising and repositioning for the next elections, let us give some thought to constitutional or structural and relational reforms that would effectively emphasise the party's position as the source of eventual leadership in government.

“We need to redefine and formalise government-party relations! We need to determine the level and depth of consultation necessary to engender mutual respect between government and party! We need to fashion out a government/party structure for considering political placements!

He added: “We must establish events and actions that require the mandate of the party without necessarily impeding the function and authority of government! Where do we draw the line and how do we avoid a possible disregard for the party – its grassroots, leaders and elders – in a way that could possibly undermine party morale and motivation and create apathy towards general elections and many more!”