Ako Gunn Declares Bid to Succeed Sammy Gyamfi as NDC National Communications Officer

—Veteran party communicator cites over 30 years of service, pledges grassroots training and fearless communication

Godwin Ako Gunn, Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared his intention to contest for the position of National Communications Officer, seeking to succeed Sammy Gyamfi, whose tenure has overseen significant changes in the party’s communication strategy.

In a declaration outlining his ambition, Mr Gunn said his decision was motivated by decades of commitment to the NDC and a desire to strengthen the party’s communication structures, particularly at the branch and constituency levels.

Titled “Kun Fa Yakun for National Communication Officer,” his statement expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities it had given him to serve, while acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing communications leadership.

“The Sammy Gyamfi-led Communication Team will arguably be mentioned as amongst the best we have ever had as a party,” Mr Gunn stated.

He cited innovations such as changes in panel representation and press conferences held at live locations as some of the developments that had shaped the team’s work, acknowledging that the transformation had come with considerable challenges.

“It didn’t come easy. We were fought, chased, cursed and attacked; but at the end of the day, the fruits are there for all to see,” he said.

Mr Gunn paid tribute to Mr Gyamfi, Kwaku Boahen, Malik Basintale, and communications directors Kakra Essamuah and Obuobia Darko-Opoku for their contributions and support, expressing appreciation for their roles in his political and professional journey.

Over 30 years of party service

Mr Gunn is positioning his extensive experience within the NDC as a key qualification for the national communications portfolio.

According to his declaration, he has served the party for more than three decades in various capacities, including as chairman of the Okaikoi North Finance Committee for four years, a branch executive for 12 years, a member of the Greater Accra Regional Communication Committee for eight years, and Deputy National Communications Officer for eight years.

He also described himself as a longstanding member of the party’s communications team, saying his years of service had prepared him to contribute to the next phase of the NDC’s communication strategy.

“With love, commitment, sacrifice and dedication, I have served the NDC for over 30 years,” he said.

“This rich experience is what I bring to the table. I have served with all my heart and my abilities, and I commit myself to serve the present age and the young upcoming ones.”

Plans to strengthen grassroots communication

A central plank of Mr Gunn’s proposed agenda is the training of branch and constituency executives in political communication, with the aim of improving the party’s ability to communicate its policies, programmes and achievements.

He argued that grassroots party officials should be equipped with the skills to communicate effectively within their communities, rather than leaving the responsibility of telling the party’s story solely to national officers.

“Our next phase must see all our Branch and Constituency Executives being trained in the art and science of communication, so that together we can ensure the effective projection of the achievements of the NDC government,” he said.

“No one anywhere can tell the story better than you.”

The proposal places grassroots capacity-building at the centre of his stated vision, with branch and constituency executives expected to play a more active role in explaining government policies and communicating the party’s message to the public.

Acknowledge party mentors and supporters

Mr Gunn also reflected on his political beginnings as a young assemblyman in Nii-Boi Town, recalling the individuals who recognised his potential and helped shape his development.

He expressed appreciation to former NDC National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and current party chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, citing the lessons he learnt under their leadership.

He further acknowledged his colleagues at the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), describing the relationships built over the years as an important part of his political journey.

The deputy communications officer also thanked family members and friends who supported him financially and otherwise, saying their sacrifices had helped him reach his current position within the party.

Pledges humility and a fearless voice

Mr Gunn reserved special appreciation for Mr Gyamfi, whom he credited with demonstrating kindness, passion, dedication, boldness, attention to detail and concern for humanity.

Although seeking to succeed him, Mr Gunn’s declaration recognised the outgoing officer’s contribution to the party’s communication work and expressed gratitude for his support.

“As your National Communications Officer, I promise to serve you well: with humility, with passion, and a fearless voice,” he declared.

He expressed his gratitude to God for bringing him this far, insisting that his journey had been made possible by divine mercy rather than personal strength alone.

“There are better days ahead,” he added.
Mr Gunn’s declaration sets the stage for a potential contest over the NDC’s national communications leadership as the party considers the next phase of its messaging, grassroots engagement and public communication.