Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has praised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its rebranding efforts, describing the now-ruling party as a strong and marketable political force.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Afenyo-Markin emphasised that in Ghanaian politics, party identity often holds more weight than the individual candidate.
“The NDC is a sellable brand, a marketable brand, and that is what people want. When going into a presidential election, it is not about the individual. Look at the history of those who went as independent candidates. In the end, it is the party brand that matters,” he said.
He referred to the legacy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), explaining that voters relate to its tradition and achievements.
“People know the NPP tradition – UP, PP, PFP, and now the NPP. They know the ‘Osono’ party. They know what Kufuor did, what Busia did, and what Akufo-Addo has done on the NPP ticket.”
Afenyo-Markin recalled his university days, noting how difficult it used to be for students to publicly associate with the NDC.
“Back then, if you were contesting for SRC or hall president and someone said, ‘Oh, that guy is NDC,’ that was the end of your campaign. So even if you weren’t NPP, you would say you were.”
He commended the NDC for recognising this image problem and making efforts to correct it, particularly through campus outreach.
“Today, let me commend the NDC. Sometimes, you must recognise something good in your opponent. Over the years, the NDC has worked on their image, and it has helped them. On campuses, they started outreach programmes, and students in TEIN became bold enough to say, ‘I am NDC.’ It was no longer only NPP students who were vocal.”
He added that the long-held perception that academia naturally leaned toward the NPP has also shifted.
“We took it for granted that the academic space belonged to us. But over time, the NDC has worked hard. Now you see doctors and professors boldly talking about their party. That wasn’t the case 20 or 25 years ago.”
He also mentioned that the NDC had made strategic efforts to improve its presence within the legal profession.
“I once gave an interview and spoke about how people used to believe almost every lawyer was NPP. The NDC saw this and decided to invest in that area too.”
According to Afenyo-Markin, these developments should serve as lessons for the NPP, which is now in opposition.
“In Parliament, as the opposition, we must take note. We need to focus on engaging the youth, professionals, the business community, and students. We must help them understand not only our ideology, but also what we can do for them.”
He concluded by urging the NPP to prepare itself ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“As part of our rebranding, it is our duty as the Minority Caucus to give people confidence in the party. With that in place, we will be repairing the NPP vehicle for whoever wins the flagbearership to take over and lead us to victory in 2028.”
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