NDC to fully control assignment of media panelists from Monday

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will, from Monday, assume full control over the assignment of party representatives to media platforms nationwide.

In a statement dated May 23, the party directed all regional communication officers, communication team members, news editors and programme managers to comply with what it described as the “enforcement of strict panel placement.”

The statement, signed by the Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, said the move formed part of efforts by the party’s communication team “to control its own narrative.”

“The communication team of the NDC in its efforts to control its own narrative, will from Monday the 15th of May, fully control representation on all media houses,” the statement said.

It warned that party communicators who bypassed the approved structures for media appearances would do so at their own risk.

“Anyone who bypasses our regional communication officers, panel placement teams and the national communications outfit will have his or herself to blame,” the statement added.

The directive comes amid growing conversations within the ruling party over potential contenders in the next flag bearer race following the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

The new arrangement, the party believes, is intended to ensure spokespersons focus public discussions on the government’s record and the party’s achievements rather than openly projecting support for individuals believed to be eyeing the leadership contest.

“This is an appeal to all of our communicators to stick to matters of our exceptional performance these 17 months, the ongoing reorganization of the party, job creation and issues of our collective good as a party and a nation,” the statement said.

The development also follows recent exchanges involving possible contenders within the party.

A few days ago, Haruna Iddrisu appeared to take a swipe at Johnson Asiedu Nketia over the chairman’s nationwide “Thank You” tour involving meetings with party officials.

During a stop in Tamale, regarded as Haruna Iddrisu’s political base, Asiedu Nketia stated that he orchestrated the removal of Mr Iddrisu as Minority Leader while serving as party chairman because he considered himself the “coach” of the team.

He, however, maintained that the decision was not personal and disclosed that he had been among those who pushed for Haruna Iddrisu to be given a major role in government after the NDC’s 2024 election victory.

The statement further cautioned party communicators against engaging in discussions that could shift attention away from the opposition New Patriotic Party.

“No one should be lured into any subject that will turn the guns on us and take the pressure off the mess the NPP is in,” it said.