There Are No Divisions in NDC — Godwin Ako Gunn
Godwin Ako Gunn, the Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, has pushed back forcefully against claims of internal divisions within the ruling party, insisting that the NDC remains a united political organisation and that the democratic contests unfolding within its ranks are a sign of strength, not fracture.
Responding to comments made by Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Ako Gunn argued that what critics characterise as divisions are nothing more than the normal processes of political competition and democratic engagement that any healthy party should welcome.
“We do not have divisions in our party and we cannot have divisions,” Ako Gunn said in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday. “Obviously, there will always be an election day. There will be a time when a timetable is set and people will definitely contest. We appreciate that and that is democratic.”
Democracy as Strength
Ako Gunn’s central argument is that internal contests and differing opinions should not be misinterpreted as factional breakdowns. In his view, the willingness of party members to compete for positions and debate policy direction is evidence that the NDC’s democratic structures are functioning as intended, rather than a symptom of disunity.
It is a defence that the NDC has increasingly relied on as the party navigates the complexities of governing while preparing for future leadership contests. The question of how a ruling party manages internal ambition without allowing it to become destabilising is one that Ghana’s political parties have grappled with across multiple administrations.
Counter-Attack on the NPP
Having made his case for NDC unity, Ako Gunn turned his attention to the opposition, criticising what he described as the NPP’s strategy of shielding its internal processes under the leadership of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
“The NPP shouldn’t hide with the protection of Bawumia as a hardball strategy to prevent some of these things — unless you don’t believe in democracy,” he said. “If indeed you think that is the way to go, then you should change your constitution so that you do your presidential elections before you go for your branch, constituency, regional and others. But it is the protection of Bawumia, that is the decision you have taken.”
The remarks suggest that the NDC is keen to draw a contrast between its own approach to internal democracy and what it portrays as the NPP’s more controlled leadership succession process. It is a narrative both parties have traded over the years, each claiming to be more democratically mature than the other.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political positioning between Ghana’s two major parties as they look ahead to future electoral contests. The latest IMANI PULSE sentiment analysis suggests that Ghana’s political discourse is shifting from personalities to performance, a trend that could reshape how both parties are judged by voters in the months ahead.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
