Profile of Dan Abodakpi

Dan Abodakpi for NDC Chairmanship

He has all the attributes needed in a leader to rejuvenate National Democratic Congress.

He is hardworking, highly experienced, knowledgeable, reliable, devoted politician, affable and appeals to the rank and file of the party

It is doubtless that NDC has many credible people, but Ambassador Daniel Kwasi  Abodakpi, one of Ghana’s finest diplomats and astute politicians, stands out as the highly credible to effectively chair the party.

His Vision

He is certain he has the capability to redeem the image of the NDC as the most preferred party in the country, through a rekindling of the spirit of commitment and loyalty and inclusivity for a united party to support government to meet the aspirations of the masses.

With his combined knowledge and vast experience from decades of service in the legislature, diplomatic arena, trade and investment industry and political sphere, Dan Abodakpi, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, is the man to reorganize the party for sustained victory and progress.

His objective to quickly revive the party to secure massive victory at the 2016 elections , and make it the party of choice by reawakening the spirit of loyalty among members, and also attract more members, as well as endear the party to floating voters.

Ambassador Abodokpi, a very decisive and a down-to-earth person, is sure his vast experience would be in handy to steer the affairs of the NDC as the National Chairman.

His successful career has seen his through being a Member of Parliament for Keta for 16 years, Minister of Trade and Industry, Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Deputy Secretary for CDRs in 1986, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Profile

Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi was born on 27 February 1950.   He had his secondary education at the Takoradi Secondary School.  He continued at the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong for Post Secondary Teacher Training Certificate ‘A’ and thence acquired a Diploma in Science and Education from the Advance Teacher’s Training College in Winneba.  He pursued further studies at various institutions of learning namely :

v Certificate in Leaders in Development : Managing Political and Economic Reform, from Kennedy School of Business (Havard – U.S.A.), June 2001

v Attachment – Universities of Minneapolis and Washington State University, International Visitor Education Programme (Fellow of PHELPS STOKES EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION).

v Attachment – Institute of Social Studies, Moscow – U.S.S.R., 1986

Career Achievement

Prior to his appointment as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ambassador Abodakpi had a long spell in Public Service in Ghana.   Between 1982 and 1986 (during the early years of the 31st December Revolution), Ambassador Abodakpi held various public positions in Ghana including :

v Regional Co-ordinator for the People’s Defence Committee (PDC) and National Defense Committee (NDC) Tema Region in 1982.

v Special Assistant to Political Counselor for Committees for Defense of the Revolution (CDR) (1984 – 1986) with Cabinet status.

Due to his hard work and dedication, Ambassador Abodakpi was appointed Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Deputy Secretary for CDRs in 1986, when the post of Political Counsellor was abolished. A position he held until 1991. 

Following, a Ministerial restructuring in 1993, he became the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. He became the substantive Minister for Trade and Industry from January 1999 to January 2001 before a change of government. Ambassador Abodakpi has also been a Member of Parliament for the Keta Constituency for 16 years from January 1993 to January 2009.

Between 2001 and 2006, he was the Ranking Member in Parliament for Trade, Industry and Tourism.  From 2007 to January 2009 he was the Ranking Member for Employment and Social Welfare. In addition to these appointments, Ambassador Abodakpi served on various Boards and Committees in Ghana including:

Member, Divestiture Implementation Committee (1984 – 2001); Member, Ghana Police Council (1985 – 1987); Member, National Economic Management Team ( 1985 – 2001); Chairman, Ghana Tourist Board (1991 – 2001); Chairman, Ghana Export Promotion Council (1993 – 2001); Member, Board of Directors – Irani Brothers Ghana Ltd.( 1986 – 1993); Co-Chairman, The Trade Investment Programme (1995 – 1999); Chairman, Ghana Freezones Board (1999 – Jan 2001).                                     

At the international level, he was elected the First Vice Chairman of the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva for two consecutive years (1995 to 1997).

Legacy

During his long period in Public Service, Ambassador Abodakpi achieved so much. Among his major achievements, the Ambassador led the introduction and implementation of many initiatives in the trade and social sectors that continue to drive the national economy.

As one of the finest trade and investment experts the nation has had, Ambassador Abodakpi is credited for the:

v Introduction of the Free Zones Programme into Ghana in response to challenge of Trade Liberalization and Globalization with the view to providing appropriate incentive framework for attracting FDI and local investments for job creation and export expansion.

v Introduction the Ghana Trade and Investment Gateway Programme as a comprehensive Trade and Investment facilitation framework aimed at making Ghana the preferred Trade and Investment destination into West Africa.

v Development of the Destination Inspection and Computerised Risk Management in place of Pre-shipment Inspection to romote fast and more transparent port operations and clearance procedures at Ghana’s ports.

v Pioneering the introduction of the Ghana Community Network and Ghana Customs Management systems (GCNET and GCMS) which are unique electronic platforms for managing International trade transactions to maximise customs revenue collections at ports of entry.

v Establishment of the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) to help address the problems of cost of credit and credit availability for entrepreneurs involved in Export trade and product development for exports.

v Institution of the National Tourism Award Scheme to motivate practioners in the Tourism Industry.

v Establishment of Ghana’s Diplomatic Mission in Malaysia in pursuit of strong trade and investment ties with ASEAN.

v Construction of infrastructure across country to promote expansion and growth in the traditional kente industry.

v Establishment of Science and Technology Parks in Ghana to towards creating a knowledge economy, as well as mobilizing support for the national industrialization.

Ambassador Abodakpi is married to Mrs. Agnes Carboo-Abodakpi, who are are blessed with children and grandchildren.