Accra: The Founder of the Atidepe Foundation, Mr. Thomas Yao Atidepe, has expressed his readiness to contribute effectively to the administration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi South Constituency. He attributes his preparedness to years of grassroots political engagement, local governance, and community service, which have equipped him with the experience needed for the role.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Atidepe, who is vying for the Deputy Secretary position of the NDC, has been driven by a desire to leverage his skills in community mobilisation, administration, and development for the benefit of the party and its members. He emphasized that his grassroots interactions have provided him with a deeper understanding of local concerns and the necessity for effective communication between party leadership and members.
Mr. Atidepe highlighted his tenure as an Assembly Member for the Torve Electoral Area and a former Presiding Member of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly as pivotal in exposing him to local governance and development planning. He stressed the importance of collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve common goals, which he intends to apply to strengthen the NDC's organisational structures at the constituency level.
He underscored that the party's strength is significantly influenced by the effectiveness of its grassroots structures and the ability of constituency executives to engage regularly with members. Mr. Atidepe believes his extensive experience working with communities has equipped him to address grassroots concerns and engage effectively with them.
Through the Atidepe Foundation, Mr. Atidepe has further demonstrated his commitment to community development. The Foundation focuses on education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and institutional support, having provided educational assistance and supported schools to create better opportunities for young people. He regards education as crucial for the long-term development of the Municipality.
Mr. Atidepe also mentioned the Foundation's support for both state and private institutions within the Municipality, aiming to complement government and other stakeholders' efforts in community improvement. Agricultural initiatives, such as distributing coconut seedlings, have been implemented to encourage tree-crop farming and sustainable income sources.
He clarified that the Foundation's interventions are designed to empower people and institutions to become more productive and self-reliant, not merely as charitable gestures. His experiences have enriched his understanding of socio-economic challenges and the importance of collaboration in addressing them.
If elected as Deputy Secretary, Mr. Atidepe plans to enhance communication within the party and ensure grassroots concerns are effectively communicated to the constituency leadership. He advocates for unity among party members, asserting that the NDC's strength lies in collective effort despite differing opinions.
Mr. Atidepe reiterated his dedication to initiatives that fortify the party's presence at the branch and electoral area levels and foster greater youth participation in party activities. His approach will be guided by consultation, teamwork, and service to the party rather than personal interests.
He urged delegates to consider candidates' experience and capacity when casting their votes, emphasizing the need for someone who understands both the administrative and grassroots dimensions of party organisation. Mr. Atidepe believes his record in local governance and community development demonstrates his commitment and provides a solid foundation for contributing to the NDC's organisational development in Akatsi South.