The UK & Ireland Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) commemorated the 47th anniversary of Ghana’s historic June 4 Uprising at a well-attended event held in Southend, Essex.

The commemorative programme, held on 6 June, brought together party members, supporters, and distinguished guests to reflect on the significance of the June 4 Uprising and its enduring principles of probity, accountability, social justice, discipline, and good governance.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Aquinas Quansah, as well as former and current Chairpersons of the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter.

In his address, H.E. Aquinas Quansah highlighted the significant progress made by both the NDC and the current government in engaging the Ghanaian diaspora. He noted the growing appeal of the party among Ghanaians abroad, citing the impressive turnout at President John Dramani Mahama’s recent town hall meeting in London as evidence of increasing enthusiasm and support for the NDC.

Also present at the event was Hon. Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National Organiser of the NDC and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Kotoko urged party members to embrace and preserve the history of June 4. Drawing parallels with landmark historical events such as the French, Irish, and Cuban revolutions, he encouraged attendees to uphold the core values of the June 4 Revolution—probity, accountability, discipline, and dedicated service to the people.

Hon. Kotoko congratulated the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter on the successful inauguration of its 29th and 30th branches. He commended members for their dedication and commitment to the party and encouraged them to continue supporting the NDC’s vision for Ghana’s development and progress.

The Chairman of the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter, Mr Conrad Dumbah, also addressed the gathering. He reminded members of the sacrifices made by those who championed the ideals of June 4 and urged them to remain united, active, and committed to the growth of both the party and the nation. He condemned the disappointing instances of tribal politics within the NDC Chapter in the UK and entreated members to embrace the party as a home for all tribes and creeds and focus on issue-based politics.

Chairman Dumbah outlined the chapter’s remarkable expansion across the United Kingdom and Ireland, noting that seventeen new branches had been established over the past two years and eight months. He stated that his administration inherited 13 branches with a membership of approximately 800 and has since expanded the chapter to 30 branches with a membership exceeding 2,100 within less than three years, making the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter the largest Ghanaian political party chapter in the diaspora.

Other speakers, including former Chairperson of the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter, Hon. Kofi Kwakye, and former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIFEC, Hon. Alfred Boyan, provided historical perspectives on the events and circumstances that led to the June 4 Uprising. They also reflected on the lasting impact of the revolution on Ghana’s political and democratic development.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Chester and Essex branches, which became the 29th and 30th branches of the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter, respectively. This expansion underscores the chapter’s continued growth and its commitment to bringing the party closer to Ghanaians across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The newly inaugurated Chester Branch will be led by its elected executives under the chairmanship of Mr Francis Prah-Buonoo. The Essex Branch will be headed by Dr Benjamin Okai, who expressed his appreciation to the chapter leadership and members whose support, encouragement, and commitment made the establishment of the branch possible.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from members to uphold the values of the June 4 Revolution and to work diligently towards strengthening the NDC while contributing to Ghana’s development, progress, and prosperity.