June 4 Commemoration: Goosie Tanoh Urges Ghanaians to Avoid Repeating NPP’s Mistakes

On the 46th anniversary of the historic June 4 Uprising, veteran politician and founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Goosie Tanoh, has made an urgent appeal for deep internal reforms within the party and across Ghana’s political landscape. His call was delivered through a solidarity message at a commemorative event held in Agormenya, which attracted numerous party loyalists, cadres, and sympathizers of the NDC.
In his statement, Mr. Tanoh emphasized that both the NDC and the country as a whole are at a defining crossroads. He argued that the NDC must return to its roots by realigning itself with the values of transparency, justice, public accountability, and democratic participation—the very ideals that fueled the June 4 Uprising in 1979.
“We are at a pivotal point in our history. This is a moment that demands reflection, realism, and renewal,” he stated. “Our party must undergo a fundamental reset to meet the expectations of Ghanaians, or risk descending into the same mistakes that have defined the failures of the NPP.”
A Warning from the 2024 Elections
Tanoh pointed to the decisive electoral defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections as a strong signal from the electorate. According to him, the loss should not be interpreted merely as a political turnover but as a loud rejection of bad governance, arrogance, and policies that served the elite rather than the public.
“The NPP’s defeat was a powerful indictment against leadership that is detached from the people. It’s a warning to all political parties, including our own, that the citizens are watching and they will act when disappointed,” he cautioned.
Restructuring the NDC from Within
Calling for a reimagination of the party’s internal structures, Tanoh described the NDC as having transformed into a centralized electoral machine, disconnected from the grassroots base that once defined its character. He proposed a comprehensive 18-month national dialogue within the party, aimed at overhauling its ideological direction and internal constitution.
This dialogue, he said, should culminate in a national convention that will set the tone for a modern, accountable, and inclusive NDC capable of providing transformative leadership.
“The time has come for us to rebuild trust, empower our grassroots, and decentralize power within our ranks. We must reform not just to win elections, but to govern responsibly.”
Tanoh commended former President John Mahama for initiating a national reset agenda, urging the party to complement that vision with tangible changes at the party level.
Honouring the Spirit of June 4
Reflecting on the significance of the June 4 Uprising, Tanoh paid tribute to the young soldiers and citizens who took bold action to challenge a corrupt and dysfunctional system. He described the uprising as a moment when ordinary Ghanaians reclaimed their agency and demanded radical accountability, even at great personal risk.
“June 4 was not just a military rebellion—it was a collective cry for justice, equality, and dignity. It represented a return of people’s power through extraordinary means,” he said.
Remembering Rawlings and the Revolutionaries
Tanoh also honoured the late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings for his leadership during a time of national crisis. He called on the NDC to uphold Rawlings’ legacy not through symbolic gestures or emotional appeals, but by living out the principles he fought for.
“True tribute to Rawlings lies in our actions. We must champion the ideals of service, sacrifice, and accountability he embodied.”
The People Must Not Be Betrayed
In closing, Tanoh reminded leaders that sovereignty belongs to the people, and that trust in leadership must be earned and maintained. He warned that citizens will not hesitate to withdraw their mandate if they feel betrayed by those in power.
“Power lies with the people. And they will reclaim it if we fail to honour our responsibilities.”
As Ghana marks 46 years since one of the most defining moments in its political history, Goosie Tanoh’s call for renewal and reform echoes the spirit of June 4—demanding that leaders rise to the occasion once again.