Lawrence Lamptey Launches ‘Scientific Manifesto’, Calls for Power to Return to the NDC Grassroots
Greater Accra Deputy Regional Secretary hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawrence Lamptey, has launched what he describes as his “Scientific Manifesto”, also known as “The People’s Manifesto,” outlining his vision for greater grassroots participation, accountability and effective influence in the decision-making process of the party and the country.
According to Lawrence Lamptey, the essence of politics lies in decisions surrounding the mode of production and distribution of society’s resources.
“The vital question of politics is the decision of the mode of production and distribution of the resources of society. It is basically a question of who owns the means of production and the means of distribution.”
He explained that where the means of production, including land, capital and labour, are in the hands of the majority, the distribution of resources becomes more equitable. However, when these means are controlled by a few, the distribution of resources becomes polarized.
Lamptey argues that other political questions ultimately relate to the fundamental issue of which category of people in society gets what and how.
He further described politics as “concentrated Economics”, stressing that economics is fundamentally about choices, while those choices depend on who makes decisions and the means through which those decisions are made.
According to him, this also reflects the power relations within society.
Lamptey said the previous economic policy was overthrown because only a few people were involved in the decision-making process and consequently designed programmes that served the prosperity of a few.
He noted that progressive minds challenged the system by demanding accountability from the grassroots to the top and advocating for popular participation in the national political process.
Empowering the Grassroots
A major part of Lamptey’s Scientific Manifesto is his call for greater empowerment of the party’s grassroots structures.
He said the party must empower its Branches, Wards, TEIN, Constituency and Regional Youth, women, and the less privileged, arguing that this would create a balance of power and provide these groups with effective influence in the decision-making process of the country.
Lamptey also believes the relationship between the NDC as a political party and government must go beyond elections.
“Government derives its mandate first and foremost from the party. It has to be accountable to it. The party must be an instrument for governance and not just an electoral machine, where the party youth are only important during election years.”
He described the upcoming Constituency, Regional and National Congress as critical to the future direction of the party.
Focus on Greater Accra
Lamptey further emphasized the importance of the Greater Accra Region to the NDC’s future electoral fortunes.
According to him, the region requires leadership that understands organisation and is capable of strengthening the party at the grassroots.
“Our primary aim in this coming congress is to transfer power to the committed and ideologically stable person’s of the party.”
He said the party needs people who understand the demographics of their constituencies and region and are capable of advancing the gains of the NDC in future elections.
‘The Scientific Manifesto’
Explaining the idea behind his manifesto, Lawrence Lamptey said the Scientific Manifesto is centred on people’s power, the needs of the people and strategies that can be adopted to secure future electoral victories.
“That is what I mean by the SCIENTIFIC MANIFESTO. A Manifesto that highlights the People’s Power, and the needs of the people. It also highlights the strategies to be adopted for future victories.”
He described himself as “The Strategic Scientific Socialist”, saying he is cut out for the service of advancing these ideas within the party.
Lamptey concluded his message with a direct call for greater grassroots participation:
“GIVE POWER TO THE GRASSROOTS!
Trust the process!!!”
LAWRENCE LAMPTEY
THE STRATEGIC SCIENTIFIC SOCIALIST
DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY HOPEFUL
