Banda MP Ahmed Ibrahim warns NDC grassroots teams against complacency as 2028 race looms

Ahmed Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament for Banda and Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, has sounded a strong warning to newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executives in the Bono Region, calling on them to reject complacency and amplify grassroots mobilisation efforts in preparation for the 2028 general elections.

Speaking directly to the party's newly appointed leadership teams in the region, Ibrahim emphasised that electoral victory requires sustained effort and community engagement, rather than reliance on past successes or assumptions about voter loyalty. His remarks underscore growing recognition within the NDC that maintaining momentum and rebuilding local structures will be critical in the coming electoral cycle.

The political context

The NDC's recent electoral success has shifted Ghana's political landscape, but party officials are keenly aware that winning consecutive elections demands rigorous groundwork. Ibrahim's intervention reflects broader party strategy to invigorate constituency-level organisations, which serve as the backbone of voter mobilisation during campaign periods. The Bono Region, a key battleground in national elections, has historically been competitive, making the focus on executive capacity-building particularly significant.

The newly elected executives represent the first wave of NDC leadership under the current political dispensation, tasked with rebuilding and consolidating party presence at the local level. Their performance over the coming months will shape the party's readiness for the campaign trail.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ibrahim's caution reflects a broader pattern in Ghanaian politics: the challenge of sustaining electoral competitiveness between elections. Strong grassroots mobilisation is fundamental to how Ghanaian parties win seats and influence in Parliament, and neglecting this infrastructure during non-election periods often leads to electoral setbacks.

The 2028 election will occur in a context of economic pressures, governance performance assessments, and evolving voter priorities. Parties that fail to maintain active community networks and engage voters consistently risk losing ground to opponents who maintain stronger organisational presence. For the NDC, ensuring that constituency executives remain energised and proactive is therefore not merely an internal party matter—it affects how well-represented communities will be and how effectively electoral mandates are pursued.

Additionally, the health and vitality of local party structures influence the quality of candidates selected and policies debated at constituency level, ultimately affecting national discourse and governance outcomes.

The path forward

Ibrahim's message signals that NDC leadership recognises the difference between winning an election and sustaining political relevance. The minister's emphasis on intensified mobilisation suggests the party intends to invest in long-term organisational strength rather than assuming that recent electoral success guarantees future victories.

For the Bono Region executives receiving this guidance, the challenge is translating Ibrahim's warning into concrete action: establishing regular community engagement programmes, identifying and nurturing future candidates, addressing local grievances, and keeping NDC supporters actively involved in party activities. Success in these areas will set the tone for how effectively the NDC can mobilise during the formal 2028 campaign period.