Derbie Raphael, an aspirant for the position of Constituency Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nandom Constituency, has pledged to strengthen the party’s communication machinery, empower branch communicators and effectively promote the achievements of the government ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Raphael, who is seeking the mandate of delegates in the constituency’s upcoming internal election scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, says his wealth of leadership experience, professional background and academic qualifications make him well-positioned to lead the party’s communication team.
He has urged delegates to repose their confidence in him, insisting that his previous leadership roles and experience in party communication demonstrate his ability to deliver on his promises.
According to him, delegates should have no doubts about his competence, as he is prepared to bring his experience to bear on the development of an effective and formidable communication structure for the party in Nandom.
Outlining his vision for the position, Mr. Raphael identified the formation of a formidable constituency communication team as his top priority.
He pledged to provide communication tools to branch communicators to enhance their effectiveness and organise a series of capacity-building programmes to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to communicate the party’s messages effectively.
He also intends to lobby for some branch executives to be incorporated into the Regional Communication Team, a move he believes would create opportunities for grassroots communicators to contribute more meaningfully to the party’s regional communication activities.
Mr. Raphael further promised to intensify efforts to communicate the achievements of the NDC government to the electorate and publicise projects, policies and programmes implemented by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nandom and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
Other key components of his agenda include using strategic communication to drive membership recruitment, defending the party and government against criticism, and sustaining public support for the NDC to retain power in the 2028 general elections.
He also pledged to create platforms that would give communicators greater exposure and opportunities to represent the party, arguing that developing grassroots communicators is essential to building a strong and sustainable communication network.
Mr. Raphael is presenting his candidacy on the strength of his extensive leadership experience in party politics, student organisations, public service and education.
Within the NDC, he has served as Constituency Youth Organizer and Deputy Constituency Youth Organizer for Nandom. He has also been a member of the Upper West Regional Communication Team, giving him experience in both grassroots mobilisation and party communication.
His leadership credentials extend to the tertiary education sector, where he served as TEIN Secretary at the University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi Campus (UEWK), and NJA College of Education in Wa.
He also served as President of the Upper West Students’ Union at UEWK, President of the then Lawra-Nandom Teacher Trainees’ Association at NJA College of Education, and Vice President of the Department of Languages at UEWK.
Other positions he has held include Organiser of the Students’ Bar Association at UEWK, Deputy Majority Leader of the UEWK Students’ Parliament, Majority Chief Whip of the Upper West Youth Parliament and Secretary of the Catholic Teacher Trainees’ Association at NJA College of Education.
In public service and education, Mr. Raphael served as Regional Director of the National Service Authority in the Upper West Region. He is also a Board Member and Staff Secretary of Kaleo Senior High Technical School, where he works as a professional English Language teacher.
His achievements in student leadership and communication include recognition as Best Student Writer at University of Education Wineba, Kumasi Campus.
Mr. Raphael holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Communication, a qualification he says will complement his practical experience and leadership record in advancing the party’s communication objectives.
He believes his academic background will enable him to adopt strategic and development-oriented communication approaches to explain government policies, promote public understanding and secure citizens’ support for the government’s programmes.
He is also confident that effective communication, combined with a well-trained and adequately resourced team, can help the NDC strengthen its connection with constituents and improve its prospects in the 2028 general elections.
As the contest approaches, Mr. Raphael is urging delegates to support his candidature, describing his record of service and proposed agenda as evidence of his preparedness for the role.
He has also drawn attention to his position as number one on the ballot paper, which he considers a sign of victory, and is encouraging delegates to vote for him to secure the mandate.
With his campaign centred on experience, capacity building, grassroots participation and strategic communication, Mr. Raphael is seeking to convince delegates that he can provide the leadership needed to make the Nandom Constituency Communication Team more effective, visible and responsive to the party’s political objectives.
For Mr. Raphael, the ultimate goal is to build a communication team capable of projecting the NDC’s achievements, strengthening party structures, expanding membership and mobilising public support towards retaining power in 2028.
