Vanderpuye: NDC welfare system needed to support former officials, cadres
Former Odododiodioo Member of Parliament and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman aspirant, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has called for the establishment of a dedicated welfare system to support former party officials, cadres and other members after leaving public office. He said the absence of an institutionalised welfare and exit structure was leaving some former […]
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a former Member of Parliament and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman contender, has advocated for the creation of a welfare system to aid former party officials, cadres and other members after their tenure in public office. Speaking to senior NDC members in Wa, Vanderpuye lamented the lack of an institutionalised welfare program and exit structure, which left some former MPs, District Chief Executives (DCEs) and other party loyalists struggling post-service.
Vanderpuye emphasized the importance of restoring the solidarity that once defined the NDC, asserting that as a family, the party must support its members. He questioned how a party could exist without caring for its own, especially after years of service. The former Minister for Youth and Sports and National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) highlighted the financial and social challenges faced by political appointees and elected representatives after leaving office.
He noted that former officials often struggle to find employment or rebuild their lives once their term ended. Vanderpuye pointed out the social stigma that follows political service, stating that those who exit do not receive support or employment offers. He also cited the financial burdens MPs face, often leaving office with significant debts from supporting their constituencies.
"We don’t get anything out of Parliament. Daily, any money that comes to you goes back to the constituency: school fees, hospital bills, rent," Vanderpuye lamented. He called for the establishment of a dedicated welfare desk within the NDC National Secretariat to assist former MPs, DCEs, women organisers and other party officials.
The proposal aims to create a resource hub where former officials can receive guidance and support. Vanderpuye also expressed frustration over the marginalization of former officials, citing his own experiences of being excluded from NDC meetings and events post-election.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
