The Interim Secretary for the United Cadres Association, an affiliate of the ruling National Democratic Congress,(NDC) Efanam Nyaku has slammed the Mahama Administration for excluding them from any government or party activity.
In a tearful speech that lasted about 30 minutes at the Kumasi Offices of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Nyaku recalled how the party sidelined its members when the NDC celebrated its 24th anniversary at the national headquarters of the party recently.
According to him, nowhere was the cadre contribution to the success of the party mentioned in that particular function.
This, he stressed was extremely worrying since many in the group’s front who fought and worked tirelessly for the party were now bedridden with several forms of illnesses.
Others, he cried were leaving as paupers since they had been neglected by their families and relatives just because they chose to defend the party with their lives.
ARROGANCE:
He wondered why the party under the current administration feels arrogant and were thinking they won political power by itself.
The party, he further accused, continued to live in delusion that its front had been consolidated by their own members.
This, he intimated was a lie, since many of the grass-root supporters had lost faith in the party due to the activities of several appointees.
Many, had been worried by the opulence displayed by government appointees and ministers, adding they had only stayed with the party because members of the cadre front urged them on.
According to him, the NDC would never have won any general election without the contribution of the cadre front.
MMDCE’S:
Mr Nyaku, disclosed those who had shown disrespect to their front were the previous and current Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives,(MMDCES).
According to him, members had been shunned and ridiculed by these MMDCES anytime they visited them for help or assistance.
Recounting, he said three MMDCE’s in Ashanti in preparation for the just ended one day forum blatantly refused to foot the transportation cost of the cadres in their areas.
He, therefore, called on the president and government appointees to do more to repay the sacrifices the cadre front had expended for their comfort and that of the sustenance of the party.
ASSURANCE:
Addressing the cadres later, Mr Peter Anarfi Mensah and Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, Ministers of State at the Presidency respectively assured that the grievances expressed would be carried to the party and government for redress.
They noted it was not a deliberate effort on the part of government to exclude members of the cadre front from getting whatever they deserved.
But, both said government was streamlining things economically so as to ensure everyone in the country benefited from the transformational agenda that has been declared by the President.
Mr Andy Okrah, Deputy Minister for the Ashanti Region parried off claims the party does not value the contribution of cadres.
According to him, cadres were the reason the NDC remain strong and a formidable unit during election periods, adding president Mahama will soon ensure they were given their due.
