Member of the Council of State, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has been appointed Patron of the Aldershot Branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) UK and Ireland Chapter, a role he has accepted with a sense of responsibility to support the branch’s activities and contribute to the broader objectives of the party and Ghana’s development.
A speech delivered on his behalf at the occasion was read by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Member of Parliament for the Ho West Constituency.
In his remarks, Kwamigah-Atokple described Hon. Bedzrah as an MP who has distinguished himself remarkably and is “undoubtedly a class apart from his contemporaries.”
Kwamigah-Atokple said he accepted the appointment in good faith, fully aware of the responsibility it carries and the expectations of the executives and members of the Aldershot Branch.
“Consequently, I accept the appointment in good faith, and fully aware of the responsibility it carries and the expectations of the executives and members of the Aldershot Branch,” he said.
He noted that the Aldershot Branch occupies an important position within the NDC’s diaspora network, having been inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the branch has a significant role to play in strengthening the party abroad, mobilising support for the NDC and contributing to Ghana’s development beyond political activities.
He therefore urged members of the branch to leverage their work experience, business networks and international connections within the Ghanaian community in the United Kingdom to support investment and job creation in Ghana.
He said the diaspora possesses valuable expertise and access to potential investors which, if effectively harnessed, could help connect Ghana to investors willing to establish businesses, expand commercial activities and create employment opportunities.
The Council of State member further encouraged the NDC UK and Ireland Chapter to make investment promotion an important part of its contribution to Ghana, particularly in support of President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda and the 24-Hour Economy policy.
He said the policy presents an opportunity to expand economic activity, attract investment and create jobs, and stressed that the diaspora must be an active participant in the process.
He called on members of the chapter to identify credible investment opportunities and facilitate engagements with prospective investors, saying the diaspora’s contribution should extend beyond political mobilisation to practical support for Ghana’s economic development.
He noted that every investor introduced to Ghana, every viable business opportunity facilitated and every job created could contribute to the economic transformation the country seeks.
The Patron also expressed support for the Aldershot Branch’s decision to use its second anniversary celebration as an opportunity to raise funds for potable drinking water and other essential social projects in Ghana.
He said access to clean drinking water remains a challenge in some communities and described potable water as fundamental to human health and dignity.
He stressed that addressing such challenges requires contributions from all sectors of society, including citizens, institutions, businesses and organised associations.
As part of his support for the project, Kwamigah-Atokple donated an undisclosed amount in US dollar denomination towards the branch’s fundraising efforts.
He said the contribution was intended to support the provision of potable drinking water and other planned social projects in Ghana, while expressing the hope that it would help advance the work and encourage further support from comrades and well-wishers.
He also announced plans to visit the NDC UK and Ireland Chapter in the coming months to meet with its executives and members, participate more directly in its activities and discuss practical ways of supporting the growth and development of the chapter.
He said such engagements would provide an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening the branch’s work, attracting investment to Ghana and supporting projects that improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Kwamigah-Atokple reaffirmed his support for the NDC, describing his support for the cause of the party as his topmost priority.
He said he remained available to work with the leadership and members of the chapter to do more for the party and contribute to the realisation of the vision of its forebears for Ghana, particularly a vision centred on national development, economic opportunity and improved living conditions for the people.
He congratulated the executives and members of the Aldershot Branch on its second anniversary and commended them for using the occasion to support tangible social intervention programmes in Ghana.
He encouraged the branch to sustain such efforts and continue identifying ways through which the NDC’s diaspora structures can contribute meaningfully to the development of Ghana.
