For any political party, staying in power is a constant balancing act. Policies must address national concerns while simultaneously ensuring the continued support of its core base. For the NDC, a crucial challenge lies in effectively nurturing its grassroots supporters. As the saying goes, a tree is only as strong as its roots, and the party’s success in the upcoming elections hinges on how well it addresses the needs and concerns of its loyal members.
One often overlooked, yet potentially impactful, solution lies in leveraging a basic necessity: building materials. It’s a curious anomaly that while Ghana boasts of abundant quarry dust, the raw material for quality building blocks, the majority of commercial block manufacturing is dominated by foreign companies. This presents a significant opportunity for the NDC government to not only stimulate the local economy but also directly empower its grassroots.
The proposed solution is simple yet profound: establishing block factories in every constituency. By utilising a public-private partnership funding model or crowdfunding, the government can acquire industrial block-making machines, with an average price of approximately Ghc 195,000 per machine. This investment, while significant, could yield considerable returns, both economically and politically.
The impact of such an initiative would be multifaceted. Essentially, it would create much-needed employment within each constituency. Each factory could employ at least 50 party foot soldiers, and applying Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy of 3-shift system, the number of employees could tripple to 150 in each constituency, providing them with stable jobs and a source of income. This direct economic empowerment would undoubtedly strengthen their loyalty and commitment to the party.
Additionally, these factories would serve as a source of revenue generation for the NDC at the constituency level. By selling blocks, the factories could contribute financially to local party activities, allowing for more robust campaigning, community engagement, and overall organisational strength. This financial independence would further empower local branches and reduce their reliance on centralised funding.
The initiative’s success also relies on a deliberate policy directive. The factories should be mandated to prioritise supplying local assemblies within their respective constituencies with blocks for ongoing projects. Arrangements could also be made to sell excess blocks to estate developers or even export to neighbouring countries.
This ensures a guaranteed market for the factories’ output, stimulating sustainability and promoting local economic development. This would create a virtuous cycle: government projects are built using locally sourced materials, supporting local businesses, and generating employment within the community.
Furthermore, the long-term vision should include expansion. As the factories become established and profitable, they can be replicated in other towns within the constituencies, creating even more employment opportunities for loyal party members. This gradual expansion would not only solidify the party’s support base but also contribute to the overall economic growth and development of these communities.
ln conclusion, establishing block factories across constituencies represents a strategic and impactful approach for the NDC government to address the critical issue of grassroots engagement.
By creating employment opportunities, generating revenue for local party activities, and promoting sustainable economic development within communities, this initiative can effectively strengthen the party’s roots and pave the way for future electoral success.
It’s a tangible demonstration of the government’s commitment to its base, proving that it’s not just about power, but about empowering the people who helped them attain it. By investing in the building blocks of communities, the NDC can secure its own future.
By Anthony Obeng Afrane