Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Patron of the Western Regional NDC Youth Wing, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says sustained investment in the youth is critical to the future fortunes of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghana.
He said the youth constitute the backbone of the party and must therefore be equipped with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to assume leadership and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Western Regional Quadrennial Youth Conference of the NDC in Takoradi on August 8, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the party’s future is inseparable from that of its youth wing.
“The NDC’s future is tied to the youth wing, and if we take our eyes off the ball on the youth front, as a political party, we will not survive.”
He noted that more than 70 per cent of Ghana’s voters are below 40 years, making young people a critical constituency not only for the electoral fortunes of the NDC but also for the country’s future.
“What it means is that the youth front is so critical that we must continue to empower them to be the leaders of our party going forward, and our country as well,” he said.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah commended the youth for their role in the NDC’s return to power, acknowledging their contribution to the campaign that brought President John Mahama back to office.
“You are the reason the NDC is in power. You are the reason President Mahama is President. In fact, you are the reason I’m chopping minister,” he said.
Youth empowerment
The Minister said government is equally focused on creating opportunities for young people, despite the difficult economic circumstances inherited by the administration.
He said the government has made progress in restoring the economy and investing in key sectors including education, healthcare and job creation.
He disclosed that the next national budget would place significant emphasis on youth empowerment.
“The next budget will be a budget of empowerment of our young people and our youth. That is where we are going. So, the future of this country is tied to the NDC and you are the engine of the NDC. The future is so bright,” he said.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah urged young party members to remain patient, hardworking and committed, assuring them that their contributions would eventually be recognised.
“Work hard, sacrifice, don’t even look back. Somebody is watching you, and you will be rewarded at the right time,” he said.
Opare Addo: Remain committed
The National Youth Organizer of the NDC, George Opare-Addo, urged the youth to remain patient, relevant and committed to the party, saying their role should extend beyond electoral periods.
He said the current NDC administration has demonstrated its commitment to rewarding young people and urged the youth to remain constructive partners in the government’s efforts to deliver on its mandate.
“This is one of the governments that has really rewarded the youth,” he said.
Mr Opare-Addo also cautioned party members against actions that could undermine the government or weaken the party, stressing the need for unity as the NDC prepares for its upcoming internal elections.
He urged prospective candidates to conduct clean and decent campaigns based on issues, ideas and messages rather than personal attacks.
“Do not become a problem to yourselves,” he cautioned, urging the youth to work together rather than undermine one another in pursuit of internal political ambitions.
Oppong Fosu: NDC has tradition of nurturing youth
Former Minister of Local Government, Akwesi Oppong Fosu, said the NDC had a long-standing tradition of identifying young people, nurturing their potential and giving them opportunities to develop into leaders.
He said the party’s history is replete with examples of young people who were given opportunities to serve and subsequently rose to occupy significant positions of responsibility.
According to him, sustaining that tradition is important to ensuring continuity and strengthening the party’s leadership pipeline.
He therefore encouraged the youth to take advantage of opportunities available to them, develop their capacities and remain committed to the values and ideals of the NDC.
Joseph Nelson: Your time will come
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, also urged the youth to remain committed to the party and continue working hard, assuring them that their efforts would be rewarded at the appropriate time.
He encouraged them to manage their expectations and remain focused, noting that there are several opportunities ahead for young people within the party and government.
Mr Nelson said the youth should see their current participation and service as an investment in their own future and that of the party.
He urged them to remain disciplined, build their capacities and position themselves to take advantage of opportunities as they emerge.
Building the next generation
The two-day conference is providing a platform for NDC youth in the Western Region to deliberate on issues affecting young people, build their capacity and strengthen their participation in the party’s activities.
The conference also seeks to deepen the youth’s understanding of their role in advancing the party’s agenda while preparing them for greater leadership responsibilities.
The Western Regional Youth Wing presented citations to Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, George Opare Addo and Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson in recognition of their support for youth activities.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
