NDC rasta caucus emerges, throws weight behind John Mahama

A Rastafari movement which is known as NDC Rasta Caucus has emerged to support the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama for the December 7, 2020, general elections.

In a picture available to GhanaVanguard.com, the Rasta men could be seen in a considerable number displaying a banner that has the inscription; "N.D.C RASTA CAUCUS" and the supposed motto of the movement being; "RASTA ACTION IN DEVELOPMENT."

Speaking exclusively to GhanaVanguard.com on September 2, 2020, an executive member of the caucus, James Moore indicated that the movement is established to support the NDC so when they come to power, they will address the needs of Rastafarians in the country.

James Moore also indicated that most of their members have degrees and other relevant academic certificates but because of their dreadlocks, no one is interested in employing them.

"Most of our brothers and sisters who have degrees, some have certificates but because of their dreadlocks or Rasta life they are not employed," he said when speaking to GhanaVanguard.com in a phone interview.

When further asked if the caucus will push for the legalization of weed if John Mahama emerges winner of the December 7 elections and subsequently inaugurated as president, James replied saying; "associating weed to Rasta is wrong".

He, however, added that the caucus will only push for the decriminalization of the herb so that the "ghetto youths" will feel comfortable using it.

"People think Rasta is associated with weed but that is wrong, I have friends who are dreadlocks people, they don't smoke. But let me tell you, the majority of people who go to church smoke weed more than Rasta people so we shouldn't be associated with weed. But what I will pray for because we are fighting for the Rasta and the ghetto youth; we will tell our people [NDC] to decriminalize the weed..." James was quoted as saying.

Rastafarians are believers in Rastafarianism, a religious movement that began in the 1930s in Jamaica and they are not known to be participants of political activities.