Legal practitioner Tsatsu Tsikata has called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to guard against complacency and use the commemoration of former President Jerry John Rawlings’ 79th birthday as an opportunity for introspection on the party’s future, values, and governance standards.
Speaking on Monday, June 22, 2026, Tsikata urged the party to critically evaluate the message it seeks to project to Ghanaians and the international community, stressing that the NDC must remain focused on delivering transformative leadership rather than merely benefiting from its position in government.
“The NDC must use this commemoration to reflect on its future, its message, and its value proposition. What does the NDC have to offer the nation and the world, both now and in the years ahead?” he questioned.
Tsikata cautioned against the temptation to lower governance standards by measuring performance solely against previous administrations instead of the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
“There is a danger that we lower the bar of what the nation expects from us and become satisfied with being only slightly better than the previous government,” he stated.
Referring to the period between 2017 and 2024 under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Tsikata argued that the NDC should not allow dissatisfaction with that era to become the benchmark for its own success.
“There is a danger, especially after what the country went through during the disastrous period of 2017 to 2024 under President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia,” he said.
According to him, such thinking could breed complacency among public officials, who may become content with marginal improvements instead of pursuing meaningful change.
“Appointees may end up comparing themselves only to their predecessors and, by that measure, be satisfied with modest improvements in performance. That can easily lead to complacency,” he warned.
Tsikata stressed that any attempt to lower expectations would ultimately undermine both the interests of Ghanaians and the credibility of the ruling party.
“Without hesitation, I will say that such an approach would be an affront to the people of Ghana and an affront to the NDC itself,” he added.
His remarks come as the NDC marks the 79th birthday of its founder, former President Jerry John Rawlings, a commemoration that party faithful often use to reflect on his legacy, ideals, and the future direction of the party.
