Veep pledges GH¢300,000 at launch of Six NDC historiographies, calls for wider public access

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for greater public access to Ghana’s political history, emphasising that preserving the experiences of political parties is essential to understanding the country’s democratic development, governance institutions and constitutional evolution.

She made the call on Tuesday, when she officially launched the Six Historiographies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra.

At the event, the Vice President pledged GH¢300,000 towards the purchase of the first six copies of the book series during the launch and auction.

The publications document important periods in the NDC’s development and political journey, providing a historical record of the party’s experiences and its place in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed that knowledge of Ghana’s political past should not be limited to individuals who witnessed significant events firsthand.

She argued that making historical records available to a wider audience would help citizens understand how the country’s political institutions evolved and how past experiences continue to influence governance.

She expressed the hope that the books would be accessible in public libraries, research institutions, government offices and private spaces, allowing students, researchers and members of the public to engage with the country’s political heritage.

The Vice President also encouraged NDC regional and constituency executives to keep copies of the publications in their offices, making the party’s historical records available to members, visitors and others interested in its development.

Her remarks placed emphasis on the educational value of political documentation, particularly for younger generations who may not have experienced the events that shaped Ghana’s democratic journey.

Wider access to such materials, she noted, would help citizens develop a deeper understanding of constitutional arrangements and participate more meaningfully in national affairs.

The launch brought together party officials, political commentators and other public figures to reflect on the NDC’s history, ideological foundations, leadership and contribution to Ghana’s democratic process.

National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, was among the prominent party leaders associated with the initiative.

The Vice President acknowledged his role in the project, underscoring the importance of deliberately preserving institutional memory rather than allowing significant political experiences to disappear with time.

The six-volume series is intended to provide a documented account of the party’s evolution, preserving records that can support historical research, institutional reference and public education.

The initiative also raises broader questions about how political parties in Ghana document their experiences, including their achievements, internal developments, disagreements and the decisions that have influenced their direction over the years.

Speakers call for accountability and inclusive leadership

Contributions from other participants broadened the discussion beyond historical preservation to include political values, leadership responsibilities and democratic accountability.

Betty Mould-Iddrisu, a member of the Council of State and former Attorney-General, reflected on the NDC’s political philosophy, stressing the importance of understanding the party through its underlying principles rather than through individual interests alone.

Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, called for attention to both ethical leadership and responsible followership.

She argued that citizens must be empowered to scrutinise their leaders and hold them accountable, noting that democratic participation should give ordinary people a meaningful voice in decision-making.

Veteran journalist and political commentator Kwesi Pratt Jnr. also urged the party to ensure that its history was documented accurately.

He stressed the importance of recognising the contributions and sacrifices of ordinary members, rather than concentrating exclusively on prominent political figures.

Mr Pratt further observed that Ghana’s development could not be attributed to one political party alone, describing nation-building as a collective responsibility.

He also advocated greater political, economic and military cooperation among African countries as part of efforts to advance the continent’s development.

The launch of the six books highlights the role of historical documentation in preserving political experiences for future generations.

Beyond serving as records of the NDC’s development, the publications are expected to provide material for researchers, students and citizens seeking to understand the political processes that have shaped Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

The Vice President’s call for wider distribution also points to the importance of making such resources available outside formal party structures, where they can contribute to public education and informed discussion.

As Ghana continues to develop its democratic institutions, the preservation of political records remains relevant to understanding the country’s constitutional journey, the evolution of its political parties and the responsibilities of leaders and citizens alike.

The event therefore placed the NDC’s historical record within a wider national conversation about institutional memory, accountability and the need to make Ghana’s political history accessible to present and future generations.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith