Members of NDC Diaspora meet Minority Leader

Several countries in the world hugely rely on their diaspora populations to advance their business, economic and development aspirations.

Among a good chunk of Ghanaians in the diaspora, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) membership is quite substantial and dispersed in various continents.

The NDC Mainland Europe in collaboration with many other Diaspora Chapters of the Party organized a Zoom meeting on 16^th December 2023 to allow the Minority leader to address some pertinent questions on national issues as well as speak on the theme: "The Role of the Diaspora towards a Progressive Development of Parliamentary Democracy in Ghana."

The Zoom meeting was well-attended by comrades from 19 countries in various continents such as Europe (e.g. Germany, Nordic, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Holland), Middle East (e.g. Qatar, Israel, Iraq, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia), America (e.g. Canada and the USA), Asia (e.g. China), Africa (e.g. South Africa and Nigeria) and the UK/Ireland.

Although Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was unable to join the Zoom meeting due to other pressing Parliamentary responsibilities, the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza was in attendance and addressed comrades very passionately on behalf of the Minority leader.

Being in the diaspora before and now a Member of Parliament for the Adaklu Constituency and the Minority Chief Whip of the 8^th Parliament, Hon. Agbodza underscored the fact that the NDC diaspora is a critical mass for national development.

He also stated that the Ghanaian diaspora can bring in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and link all kinds of investments to various sectors such as real estate, hospitals, and tourism through companies abroad to engender sustainable development in Ghana.

Hon. Agbodza added that Ghana would be better in terms of harnessing the aptitude of the NDC diaspora who has rich experiences and new ideas on disruptive technologies that Ghana can tap into for sustainable and inclusive development.

Holding a critical position in a hung Parliament as the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Agbodza reiterated that the Minority Caucus is committed to holding the governing NPP government under Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to account to Ghanaians.

Hon. Agbodza also indicated that although the 2024 budget has been approved, the Appropriations bill which deals with estimates for government institutions and Ministries is still outstanding and the Minority Group will continue to ensure that the right things are done.

He concluded his main speech by saying that campaigns in various constituencies in Ghana towards the upcoming General elections are already in high gear and the NDC is hopeful of capturing power come December 7, 2024.

When it was time for Q & A session, Hon. Agbodza answered questions bothering on the Supreme Court ruling on birth certificates, Constitutional Reforms, dual citizenship, EC reduction of staff in the District and Unit Committee elections, Cannabis bill, poor health system, locked up funds, the Lithium Deal, ROPAA, Akosombo Dam Spillage and how far with the Minority petition against the BOG.

Hon. Agbodza answered the above-stated critical national issues to the satisfaction of all comrades who were in attendance. It was a great interaction with the Minority Chief Whip and comrades in the Diaspora Chapters via Zoom.

Also in attendance was the International Relations Director (IRD), Hon. Alexader Percival Segbefia who was also in the diaspora before and held various Ministerial positions under Presidents Mills and Mahama. He thanked the NDC Mainland Europe for organizing this crucially important Zoom meeting with the Minority Caucus.

The IRD Director reminded comrades that the NDC Diaspora is growing from strength to strength. Hon. Segbefia also informed comrades of orientations, guidelines for ID cards and general rules that would be prepared for both the branches and Chapters in the Diaspora.