An aspiring constituency chairman for National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Mion in the Northern Region, Alhassan Issah, has called on delegates to elect leaders who are closely connected to the grassroots as the party prepares for its upcoming constituency elections.
Mr Issah, who is seeking to unseat the incumbent Constituency Chairman, Adam Yussif Fitta, said effective grassroots leadership would be critical to strengthening the party and consolidating its support base ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking to journalists after securing number two on the ballot, Mr Issah expressed confidence in his chances and said he was returning to contest the chairmanship because of his commitment to the party and its members.
In the previous constituency election, Mr Yussif defeated Mr Issah by 14 votes, securing a total of 408 votes against Mr Issah's 394.
According to Mr Issah, the upcoming elections present delegates with an opportunity to choose leaders capable of deepening the NDC's support in the constituency and improving its electoral fortunes.
He said the constituency should not continue to be regarded as a swing area, insisting that dedicated leadership and stronger grassroots engagement could help secure greater support for the party.
Mr Issah, who is making his second bid for the position, said he had remained loyal to the NDC despite not holding any executive office within the constituency.
He noted that he had consistently supported party activities through financial contributions, donations and guidance to members, enabling him to stay connected to the concerns of grassroots supporters.
"The NDC has established a strong presence in Mion, and it is important that the constituency is led by someone who enjoys the confidence and support of the grassroots," he said.
He further appealed to party members to maintain unity before and after the elections, urging supporters of all candidates to avoid insults, personal attacks and divisive campaigns.
"This is an internal party contest, and I urge supporters of all candidates to refrain from insults, personal attacks and vilification during the campaign. Our focus should remain on strengthening the party and preserving our unity," he stated.
Meanwhile, the constituency elections will also feature a contest for the vice-chairmanship position between Nignan Daniel Nkandin and Joseph Magbu Jabuni, the incumbent Constituency Organizer.
The vice-chairmanship aspirant, Nignan Daniel Nkandin, said his nearly three decades of service at the grassroots level had equipped him for the position.
Mr Nkandin, who has served as a branch chairman for 25 years, said his experience had given him a deep understanding of the concerns and expectations of party members.
He said the knowledge gained over the years would enable him to work effectively with constituency executives, branch leaders and supporters to strengthen party structures and mobilization efforts.
Mr Nkandin described Mion as a traditional stronghold of the NDC and expressed optimism about the party's prospects after regaining the parliamentary seat.
"The seat is back to the NDC, and what is needed now is unity, commitment and collective effort from all members and supporters to ensure that we retain it and continue to advance the party's agenda in the constituency," he said.
He also appealed to supporters from the Konkomba and Dagomba ethnic groups to maintain peace, tolerance and mutual respect throughout the internal election process.
According to him, preserving harmony among party faithful is essential to sustaining the gains made by the party and strengthening its appeal among voters.
