A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team in the Ashanti Region, James Jerry Sukah, popularly known as Papa Jay, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy Ashanti Regional Communications Officer.
Speaking to the media today, which marks the official deadline for the submission of nomination forms for various positions within the party, Papa Jay said his decision to contest is based on a thorough self-assessment of his track record and achievements as a constituency Communications Officer.
He stated that he has carefully evaluated his performance in opposition and is convinced he has the competence, experience and commitment required to serve in a higher capacity at the regional level.
“It Is Not How Long You Serve, But How Well You Serve”
Papa Jay said he draws inspiration and motivation from the words of renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, that leadership is not measured by how long one serves, but how well one serves.
“In fact, I take credence and motivation in the words of Professor Lumumba, that it is not how long you serve, but how well you serve. For that reason, I see myself as the best candidate to contest for the position as the Deputy Ashanti Regional Communications Officer,” he stated.
According to him, his tenure in opposition was marked by consistent activism, effective communication and agenda-setting for the party in the Ashanti Region.
13 Press Conferences, 8 Demonstrations In Opposition
Detailing his achievements, Papa Jay disclosed that he organized 13 press conferences and led eight demonstrations across the Ashanti Region while the party was in opposition actions he described as critical tools for holding government accountable and keeping the NDC visible.
“I have had so many press conferences, to be precise, 13 press conferences in Ashanti Region, eight demonstrations, you know, these are all in opposition,” he noted.
He highlighted that the most prominent among these was the widely publicized “Asante Manhyia Sue” demonstration held on April 24, 2024, which he led and which attracted significant public and media attention.
“I’ve always been saying that what distinguishes a good communicator from the rest is the ability to hold press conferences and demonstrations. Whilst in opposition, I set so many agendas. I criticized the government constructively,” he added.
Ready To Support And Continue Legacies
Papa Jay emphasized that with these experiences, he considers himself fully prepared and qualified for the Deputy Regional Communications Officer position.
“In fact, with these assessments, I see myself as fully prepared for the position of the Deputy Ashanti Regional Communications Officer,” he declared.
He further expressed his readiness to work collaboratively with whoever emerges as the substantive Regional Communications Officer, stressing unity and continuity as key to strengthening the NDC’s communication machinery in the Ashanti Region.
“Anyone who wins as the main Communications Officer, I am fully prepared, ready to work to support that person in order to make sure that Ashanti Region, in fact, the legacies of our predecessors, Honourable Abass Nurudeen and the late Kwame Aminu Kamar, these legacies will be continued unabated,” he assured.
His declaration adds to the growing list of aspirants vying for regional communications positions as the NDC intensifies preparations to strengthen its structures in the Ashanti Region, a key political battleground ahead of future elections.
