Captain Smart Charts Bold New Course for CPP at 76th Anniversary

 By [JoJoe Bucknor-Baffoe]

 

CAPTAIN SMART CPP @76

As the Convention People's Party (CPP) marked its 76th anniversary, one voice echoed with a sense of urgency and bold vision—broadcast journalist and political advocate, Captain Smart. Speaking at the commemorative event, Captain Smart proposed a sweeping overhaul of the party’s structure and strategy, aimed at reclaiming its lost relevance and reconnecting with the Ghanaian people, especially the youth.

 Founded in 1949 by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the CPP was once the embodiment of Ghanaian nationalism and self-governance. But over the decades, its influence has waned, often overshadowed by the duopoly of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Captain Smart believes it's time for a revival—not through nostalgia, but through innovation and integrity.

 In a rallying call that resonated with younger generations, Captain Smart emphasized the need for the CPP to embrace digital transformation. “We must meet the people where they are—online,” he said. From membership registration to civic education and policy dissemination, digital platforms can not only modernize the party’s operations but also make it more transparent and inclusive.

 He advocated for a central digital infrastructure to manage party affairs, including an interactive website, mobile-friendly portals, and active social media engagement. “If we want to lead a 21st-century Ghana, we must first become a 21st-century party,” he stated.

 One of his more controversial points was a stern warning against accepting funding from the NPP or NDC. “We cannot criticize what we feed on,” he cautioned. According to Captain Smart, the CPP’s credibility and moral authority must be preserved by resisting financial influence from its political rivals.

 Instead, he proposed grassroots funding models, including member contributions, crowdfunding, and partnerships with credible, non-partisan civil society organizations. “Our strength should come from the people—not the pockets of political adversaries,” he said.

 Captain Smart took issue with the perception—and reality—that political activities and development programs are too focused on Accra. He called on the CPP to decentralize its youth training and empowerment programs. “Young people in Tamale, Ho, Wa, and Tarkwa deserve the same opportunities as those in Accra,” he argued.

The goal is to build a truly national party structure that reflects the diverse needs and talents of Ghana’s regions. By providing leadership training, political education, and entrepreneurship opportunities in every corner of the country, the CPP can reposition itself as a party of action and inclusion.

 One of the most practical and urgent calls made by Captain Smart was for the establishment of a credible data system to track party membership. “We can’t build a serious political party on guesswork,” he said. With proper data, the CPP can plan better, mobilize effectively, and communicate directly with its base.

 He proposed the use of biometric registration systems and digital ID cards to ensure accuracy, security, and trust. The database would not only serve electoral purposes but also help the party understand its demographic reach and tailor its policies accordingly.

Captain Smart’s proposals are more than just ideas—they are a challenge to a party long yearning for direction. At 76, the CPP has a storied past. But if the party is to survive and thrive in the years ahead, it must dare to innovate, inspire, and invest in the people it seeks to serve.

 Whether the leadership of the CPP will embrace this roadmap remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Captain Smart has lit a spark. The question now is whether the party will fan it into a flame—or let it fade into political rhetoric.

 Comrade Yaw Asamoah:

 "Comrades, I want to address a critical issue concerning the selection of our Flagbearer. It is troubling that this process is not carried out according to our party’s constitution but instead delayed until election years. This practice undermines our democratic principles.

 

Every member must be up to date with their dues and, importantly, must have the right to elect the Flagbearer directly. We cannot allow the selection to be dictated or imposed by the ruling parties—whether NPP or NDC—depending on who holds power at the time. Our party’s future depends on upholding these values of fairness, transparency, and member participation.

 

Furthermore, there must be accountability regarding party properties, including the stolen pickups and other assets currently held by government officials. A thorough investigation is necessary to recover these items and ensure our party’s resources are protected and properly managed