A leading contender for the position of Ashanti Regional Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. James Jerry Suka, popularly known as Papa Jay, has declared that the party’s communication strategy ahead of the 2028 general elections will not be based on empty rhetoric and propaganda, but on verifiable evidence of development.
Papa Jay, who is widely regarded as a frontrunner in the race, made the remarks while speaking to journalists shortly after successfully going through vetting and balloting for the upcoming Ashanti Regional executive elections.
Following the balloting exercise, he picked slot Number 3 on the ballot paper a position his supporters have described as a winning number.
“No Takashi Campaign In 2028”
Addressing the media, Papa Jay said the NDC, now in government, has a solid track record and concrete achievements to campaign with, and therefore does not need to resort to what he termed as “takashi” style a Ghanaian colloquial term for loud, empty, and deceptive propaganda.
According to him, the communication machinery of the party in the Ashanti Region must shift from mere political equalization to a well-coordinated, fact-based and evidence-driven communication that will showcase the projects, policies and interventions of the Mahama-led administration.
“2028 campaign is not takashi style but it’s evidence-based campaign,” Papa Jay stated emphatically.
“We are in government now. We have evidence. We have projects on the ground. We have policies that are transforming lives. Our communication in Ashanti must be based on what we have done and what we are doing, not on noise and insults,” he added.
Ready To Strengthen Communication In NPP Stronghold
Mr. Suka noted that the Ashanti Region, being the stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), requires a robust, strategic and intellectually superior communication team capable of dismantling false narratives and projecting the achievements of the NDC government.
He pledged that if elected as Deputy Communications Officer, he will work closely with the substantive Communications Officer and the entire regional communication team to build a formidable communication structure from the regional level down to the constituency and branch levels.
He outlined plans to enhance capacity building for communicators, ensure timely provision of communication materials and talking points, and deploy modern digital tools to amplify the party’s message across radio, television, social media and community platforms.
Papa Jay, who is known for his sharp articulation and deep understanding of grassroots communication, said his experience over the years in party communication puts him in a unique position to lead the paradigm shift needed to consolidate the NDC’s gains in the Ashanti Region.
He thanked the vetting committee for a smooth and transparent process and commended his fellow aspirants for a healthy and decorous contest so far.
He appealed to delegates to rally behind his vision of an evidence-based, disciplined and proactive communication front, describing his Number 3 position on the ballot as symbolic of the third term of progress and stability Ghanaians will witness under the NDC.
The Ashanti Regional elections of the NDC are expected to be keenly contested as the party reorganizes its structures to consolidate power and prepare grounds for the 2028 general elections, where the party aims to not only retain power but to significantly improve its performance in the Ashanti Region.
