Odarlai Parker: The Tested, Experienced Man Who Needs To Retain His Role In NPP

The incumbent Greater Accra Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Odarlai Parker, says he needs only two to three days to campaign across the region ahead of Saturday’s regional executive elections, expressing confidence that his track record speaks for itself.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen Talk Show, Mr. Parker, who is seeking a return to the position he previously held, drew on a popular local proverb to make his case to delegates.

“I can use just two to three days to do my campaign in the region because, as the saying goes, ‘Akpeteshie doesn’t need advertising to sell itself. I have done a great job, and the work I have done across this region speaks for me,” he told host of the show.

Communication Career

Mr. Parker, a product of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), traced his political and professional journey, saying his passion for communication drew him into public life.

“I’m doing whatever I’m doing now because I like communication. That is why I went to GIJ. I love communication and I love to talk,” he said.

Before ascending to the Regional Secretary position, he disclosed that he had served the party at various levels across Greater Accra and other parts of Ghana, giving him what he described as an unmatched grasp of the party’s grassroots dynamics.

Memories

Recounting his earlier attempt at regional office, Mr. Parker revisited an incident that nearly cost him his life during a previous internal contest.

“The voting will take place in Tema at the WAEC Hall — the same venue where I first contested for Assistant Regional Secretary and lost. During that period, I was shot at Asawase and was advised to go and take care of my health. When I recovered and returned, I did not contest for that same position again — I went straight for the Regional Secretary slot, and I won,” he narrated.

In what he described as a moment of political vindication, Mr. Parker said he defeated the very man who had beaten him to the Assistant Secretary position at the higher Regional Secretary contest. In a gesture of reconciliation, he later appointed the same individual, Hon. Sabo Adams, as his Deputy Communications Director.

“I have served two terms and won both. There is no bitterness in politics when the goal is to build the party,” he added.

Parker Quotes Dan Botwe

Making a strong pitch to constituency officers who will cast their votes on Saturday, August 15, Mr. Parker described the Regional Secretary’s role as the nerve centre of party operations, citing NPP stalwart Hon. Dan Botwe.

“Dan Botwe once said the Secretary is the Chief Organizer because he connects the organizers and the base. As Chief Organizer, there is a lot of work to be done in Greater Accra if we are to win power again,” he stressed.

He appealed passionately to delegates:

“The work before us is not child’s play. Everyone is created in a unique way — some are born pastors, some politicians, some communicators, some researchers, and some secretaries. My calling is clear.”

Regional Chairman Bowing Out

Mr. Parker also revealed that the current Regional Chairman has indicated he will not contest for another term, making continuity in the Secretariat even more critical.

“My Regional Chairman has said he is not contesting for the next term. That is why we need someone with the institutional knowledge to guide the region. I am still standing as Regional Secretary to do better and to prevent the old mistakes from being repeated,” he explained.

He pledged to mentor any new officers who emerge from Saturday’s polls, saying, “It will be my responsibility to assist them in every way possible so that they learn on the job quickly, and we can win power from an NDC government that is doing nothing but arresting NPP members.”

Ready To Work Harder

Reflecting on his political trajectory, Mr. Parker said his rise from the cell level in 2016 when he served as a constituency officer has given him a full understanding of the party machinery.

“In 2016, I was a constituency officer, so I know the work we did that brought the party into power. Now at the regional level, I understand the dynamics in every single constituency. I am not coming to learn from the top — I climbed from the cell, and I stand taller than anyone when it comes to understanding constituencies,” he stated firmly.

He vowed to double his efforts compared to the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, insisting that Greater Accra remains a strategic battleground for the NPP’s return to power.

A Voice For The Voiceless

Positioning himself as an unflinching and principled leader, Mr. Parker made a final appeal to delegates.

“I am brave because I am the voice of the voiceless. Vote for me this coming Saturday. Vote for someone who will represent you, who will deal with you genuinely, who is honest and very assertive. I call white ‘white’ and black ‘black’,” he declared.

He reminded delegates of his position on the ballot: “I am Number One on the ballot paper. Come and vote for your voice.”