Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Wing as Ghana’s most attractive political youth movement, attributing its appeal to the party’s commitment to young people and the opportunities it provides for their participation in national development.
Speaking at the National Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) Conference on Friday, October 16, Ablakwa said many young people across the country were proud to identify with the NDC because of its political vision and organisational activities.
“It is stating the fact when we acknowledge that the NDC Youth Wing is the most attractive political youth wing in Ghana today. There is no doubt about that,” he said.
He added that the party must sustain its appeal among young people by remaining committed to its promises and creating opportunities for them to contribute to national development.
“So many young people across the land and breadth of our country are so proud to identify with the National Democratic Congress,” he said.
Ablakwa said retaining young people required more than political messaging, stressing the need to respect them and give them opportunities to lead.
“We will keep them by staying true to our campaign promises776. We will keep them by respecting them, by giving them opportunities to lead and contribute to national development,” he said.
He further said the party must demonstrate its commitment through its conduct in government and remain faithful to its founding principles.
“We are going to remain a party and a government that cares genuinely for the young people of this country. That is our promise to you,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of leadership that recognises the abilities of young people, citing President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to establish a dedicated Ministry of Youth Empowerment.
According to Ablakwa, the creation of the ministry reflects a commitment to addressing young people’s concerns beyond the traditional focus on sports.
He noted that more than 60 per cent of Ghana’s population was below the age of 35, arguing that their concerns and aspirations should be reflected in national policymaking.
The TEIN Conference brought together NDC student members from tertiary institutions across Ghana to discuss party affairs, political organisation and youth participation.
It also provided a platform for party leaders to engage students on leadership, public service and the role of young people in national development.
Ablakwa urged the party to sustain its engagement with young people and ensure that opportunities for participation translate into meaningful contributions to governance and national development.
