NPP Will Address Concerns of Foot Soldiers - Obiri Boahen Assures

Nana Obiri-Boahen, a deputy General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party, says the Akufo-Addo-led government will put in place measures to effectively deal with the concerns of foot soldiers in the party.

He hinted that the party had put in place effective and practical mechanisms to deal with “our volunteers and foot soldiers, in their excessive demands of favours,” to ensure that their high expectations and direct recognition from the government does not redirect the focus of the government.

Nana Obiri-Boahen is of the view that many governments have failed to perform during their tenures, due to the over-concentration to satisfy and meet the demands of their core party supporters.

Speaking exclusively with the Daily Statesman ahead of last Saturday's inauguration of Nana Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, as President and Vice President respectively of Ghana, he noted that though the party and government recognize the huge roles of foot soldiers in the NPP victory, their main focus is to put the country back on track, and satisfy the expectations of all Ghanaians.

While acknowledging that party members must be adequately recognized, he maintained that would be done in conformity with what the country's constitution says, stressing further that though, "sometimes in their (foot soldiers) bid to get the attention of party leaders, they go beyond bounds; but it is our duty as national or regional or constituency executives to deal with them satisfactorily."

However, Nana Obiri-Boahen also outlined plans to maintain unity with their core members in making sure they stay in touch with the grassroots at all times.

Nana Obiri-Boahen was of the opinion that if the government worked hard, remained focused in providing sustainable jobs for the teeming youth, the issue of foot soldiers storming party offices, ceasing toilets and holding people hostage, all in the name of landing a job, would be a thing of the past.

"If one has good and decent job, whether a foot soldier or not, they will live decently to support the growth of this country. Yes I'm one person who believes in giving rewards. If one deserves it why not and to me all our volunteers need to be appreciated, but in so doing, we must do things that will bring the nation together and not to divide it," the party scribe opined.

Sounding more confident, Nana Obiri-Boahen assured that the NPP government was well positioned to work for the good people of the country, adding that the new government was ready to ensure that they concentrated on doing what they were voted for.

He urged all party members to remain calm and support the NPP government, further assuring that they would not renege on any of their promises made to Ghanaians.

Again, he charged the youth to position themselves well so they would be able to take advantage of the many opportunities which would abound in the NPP administration.

He expressed gratitude to all volunteers, foot soldiers and all groups which supported the change agenda which eventually saw the NPP returning to the corridors of power.