Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Officer aspirant, Godwin Ako Gunn, has pledged to strengthen the party’s communication structures, improve coordination with government and deepen engagement with media organisations as part of efforts to position the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr Gunn, who is the sole aspirant for the position ahead of the party’s national executive elections scheduled for December 19, 2026, said his immediate priority would be to consolidate the gains made by the existing communications team while introducing strategic improvements to make the party’s public engagement more effective.
Speaking in an interview, he expressed appreciation to the NDC for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as the sole aspirant as a significant responsibility that comes with high expectations.
He said the opportunity was not simply a personal achievement but a call to serve the party and improve how it communicates its policies, positions and activities to the Ghanaian public.
Drawing on the biblical principle that much is expected of those to whom much is given, Mr Gunn said he was conscious of the responsibility ahead and would need wisdom and guidance to deliver on the expectations of party members and supporters.
Building on Existing Communication Structures
Mr Gunn was particularly appreciative of the work of outgoing National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi, whom he described as an exceptionally talented communicator with a strong understanding of the party’s communication machinery.
He said his experience working with Mr Gyamfi for approximately eight years had given him a good appreciation of the existing structures, the strengths of the team and the demands of the office.
According to him, the NDC already has a solid communications team, and his intention is not to dismantle the existing arrangement or undertake a complete restructuring simply because there would be a change in leadership.
“If it is not broken, you don’t fix it,” he said, explaining that he would rather strengthen the current team through a few necessary additions and improvements.
His position suggests an approach centred on continuity, institutional experience and targeted adjustments, rather than a wholesale change in personnel and operational arrangements.
He indicated that the work would begin immediately after the vetting process, with preparations focused on ensuring a smooth transition and identifying areas requiring additional attention.
Bridging the Communication Gap Between Party and Government
Another major priority outlined by Mr Gunn is the need to improve coordination between the NDC’s party communication structures and the government’s communication machinery.
He acknowledged that there have been occasional gaps in communication between the two sides but maintained that the party and government had been working together and should continue to complement each other’s efforts.
He believes closer coordination would help ensure that information about government policies, programmes and achievements is communicated more effectively, while enabling the party to articulate its positions with greater clarity and consistency.
The proposed collaboration is also expected to help address situations where the party and government may appear to communicate separately on issues of common interest.
For Mr Gunn, effective political communication requires a coordinated approach in which the party’s structures and government communicators understand their respective roles and work towards a common objective.
Strengthening Media Relations and Public Engagement
Mr Gunn also identified stronger engagement with media organisations as an important part of his communication agenda, citing his experience working with journalists and his relationships with media practitioners over the years.
He recalled that the party faced challenges with the representation of its communicators on media panels when the NDC came into office eight years ago. He said efforts had since been made to address some of those concerns.
He indicated that he would continue engaging media houses to encourage broader discussions on issues of national importance, particularly government policies, programmes and achievements.
He explained that such engagements could include suggesting relevant topics for discussion to media organisations, especially where he believes certain issues are receiving limited attention.
He was, however, emphatic that his approach would not involve dictating editorial decisions or instructing journalists on what they should cover.
Rather, he said, his intention would be to make suggestions and encourage discussions that provide the public with a broader understanding of government activities and national developments.
The approach, as outlined by Mr Gunn, would involve maintaining constructive relationships with media practitioners while ensuring that the party’s perspectives and policy positions are adequately presented in public discussions.
Preparing for the 2028 Elections
With the 2028 general elections approaching, Mr Gunn’s proposed priorities point to a communication strategy built around continuity, improved coordination, stronger media relations and more effective public engagement.
His emphasis on retaining the strengths of the existing team, while making targeted improvements, suggests that he intends to draw on institutional experience as he prepares to take on the responsibilities of the office.
He also believes that closer collaboration between the party and government, alongside sustained engagement with media organisations, will be important in communicating the NDC’s record, policies and political positions to the electorate.
Mr Gunn said preparations would commence immediately after vetting, signalling his intention to begin work without delay should the process be completed successfully.
His proposed agenda places communication at the centre of the party’s preparations for 2028, with the broader objective of improving how the NDC engages the media, communicates with the public and presents its message to Ghanaians.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com