NDC organization is a budget line – Dee Mayor

David Selassie Anthony, also known as Dee Mayor and a candidate for Deputy National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged the party to shift from focusing solely on election-season mobilization to investing in sustained grassroots organization throughout the political calendar. He believes that consistent funding and support for party structures are essential for building a resilient organization ahead of the 2028 general elections.

In a conversation with The Ghanaian Chronicle, Anthony emphasized that party organization should be regarded as a permanent budgetary priority rather than an activity that receives attention only when elections are imminent. He argued that effective political organization requires regular funding, strategic planning, and logistical assistance for grassroots organizers, who are crucial in mobilizing members, disseminating party messages, and maintaining community engagement.

Anthony's campaign for the Deputy National Organiser position centers on the idea that party organization should be treated as a budget line, not a seasonal endeavor. He stressed that waiting until election periods to activate party structures could undermine the continuity and preparedness needed for effective mobilization. To achieve this, he proposed that constituency and regional organizers be equipped with the necessary resources, training, and administrative support to carry out their duties effectively.

Anthony also advocated for better coordination between national leadership and regional and constituency-level party structures to ensure that organizational activities align with broader party objectives while allowing local organizers to address the unique needs of their communities. He called for a more deliberate approach to resource allocation, identifying and addressing organizational needs before they become urgent during election campaigns.

Additionally, Anthony stressed the importance of recognizing the diverse financial and operational capacities of constituencies, ensuring that grassroots structures, even those with limited resources, receive the support needed to remain functional and engaged. He highlighted the need for a transparent financial system and clearly defined organizational priorities to ensure that resources allocated to party structures translate into tangible assistance for organizers and members.

Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, Anthony emphasized that the party must focus on building structures capable of sustaining mobilization between elections. He argued that continuous engagement with party members would help preserve organizational experience, enhance communication, and maintain connections between the party’s leadership and its grassroots base.

For him, the ideal approach would be a year-round strategy that allows the party to approach election periods with established networks and better-coordinated structures rather than having to rebuild momentum when campaigns commence.