Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has praised outgoing National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Youth Organiser George Opare Addo, popularly known as Pablo, crediting his leadership and organisational initiatives with helping mobilise the party’s youth base ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the National Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) Conference on Friday, October 16, Ablakwa said he had adjusted his travel plans to attend the gathering and pay tribute to Mr. Opare Addo as he prepares to leave office.
He commended the outgoing youth organiser for introducing initiatives that strengthened the party’s youth mobilisation efforts, particularly the Green Army.
“He has been very creative, very innovative, very dynamic. The kind of initiatives brought forth when he was elected, I mean, the Green Army, you have to give it to him. Give it to Pablo,” Ablakwa said.
He said the NDC’s performance in the 2024 elections was supported by a well-organised youth wing with the leadership, skills and innovation needed to mobilise supporters.
“We won the 2024 election because we had a youth wing that was well-earned. A machinery that had leadership, built with talent, skills, and innovation that made the 2024 victory so memorable,” he said.
Ablakwa described the youth wing’s mobilisation under Mr. Opare Addo as a significant contribution to the party’s electoral campaign.
He said the outgoing organiser had set a high standard for those seeking to succeed him, stressing that candidates should be judged by their ideas, leadership qualities and ability to bring people together.
“It’s not about how big your runner is. It is about how big your ideas are,” he said.
He added that aspiring leaders needed to demonstrate an ability to work with others, mobilise young people and build consensus around a common purpose.
“Those are the qualities that make Pablo exceptional,” Ablakwa said, referring to a person he praised during his address.
The minister also acknowledged President John Dramani Mahama’s role in creating opportunities for young people within the party and government.
He recalled the President’s commitment to appointing a youthful Cabinet and said the inclusion of young people in leadership demonstrated confidence in their talent and competence.
Ablakwa’s remarks came as the NDC’s student wing gathered for its National TEIN Conference, a platform for student members from tertiary institutions across the country to engage party leaders and discuss political organisation and youth participation.
