James Gbandan Konzabre has formally expressed interest in contesting for the position of Upper East Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), outlining a vision that seeks to build on the achievements of the current office holder while introducing measures to strengthen party structures and inclusivity.
Speaking on the Bluewaves Breakfast Show, Konzabre acknowledged the strong performance of the incumbent Regional Secretary, who also serves as a Minister. “The current Secretary and Minister has been in that position for quite a while and has done very well, there is no doubt about that,” he said. “But the time has come for a change, and someone different will have to come in.”
Konzabre, who currently serves as Regional Coordinator for the National Apprenticeship Programme, emphasised that any successor must not lower the standard set by the present occupant. “I see myself as someone who will not fall below that bar. If I do not do even better, I expect at least to maintain the standard, but my aim is to improve on it,” he stated.
He pointed to his long experience coordinating student activities within the party and his current role in the apprenticeship programme as preparation for the demands of the regional secretariat. “I am very grounded in coordinating activities… I therefore have deep knowledge of how to coordinate activities effectively,” Konzabre noted.
If elected, Konzabre said he would prioritise four key initiatives. First, he plans to institutionalise an annual recognition scheme for retired and elderly party members who have contributed significantly but are often overlooked once they are no longer active. “Recognition is not always about huge monetary value; it is about intent. Even a citation can make someone feel part of the process,” he explained.
Second, he intends to systematically profile and support campaign financiers and business backers. “Politics is more or less a business too. Once people come in to support the cause of the party, they must be profiled, and when we are in power we must know who they are and support their businesses as well,” Konzabre said.
Third, he pledged to make the party’s youth and women wings more operational by ensuring they receive adequate resources and attention beyond their constitutional existence.
Finally, Konzabre stressed that the regional secretariat should function primarily as a coordinating body rather than a centralised power centre. He said he would work to strengthen existing structures including the youth and women wings, the Zongo Caucus, and party communicators, rather than concentrating decision-making solely at the secretariat.
The contest for the Upper East Regional Secretary position forms part of internal NDC processes as the party continues to organise ahead of future elections. Konzabre’s statement positions him as a candidate focused on continuity, recognition of long-serving members, and broader institutional strengthening.
By Gayheart Abraham
Source: Mybluewavesonline.com| Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
