Pressure Mounts On NDC Government To Prioritize Economic And Professional Empowerment Of Its Grassroot Members

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) must prioritise the economic and professional empowerment of its grassroots members, particularly the youth, who have been the backbone of the party’s electoral mobilisation.

Over the years, the profound commitment of young party members has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s victories and resilience in the face of political adversity.

However, past experiences reveal a troubling pattern, once power is attained, these dedicated party faithfuls are often sidelined, their sacrifices unacknowledged.

Suppose the NDC is to sustain its political dominance and secure future electoral success. In that case, it must break this cycle by investing in its youth, providing them with tangible opportunities, and ensuring their active participation in governance and decision-making. 

In recent years, the media landscape has become a battleground where political narratives are shaped and contested.

Following the NDC’s electoral defeat (in the recent past), the New Patriotic Party (NPP) strategically utilised its surrogate radio and television platforms to discredit the party, spreading misinformation and propaganda.

In response, the NDC youth, alongside the Cadres Movement, stepped up to defend the party’s legacy, countering populist rhetoric and misleading claims.

This proactive engagement underscores the evolving role of NDC youth: they are no longer just campaign foot soldiers but active political stakeholders who deserve recognition and empowerment.  

1. Lessons from the Past: the role of NDC Youth in electoral victories 

The significance of youth activism within the party is not a recent phenomenon. Reflecting on the historic 2008 presidential election, the NDC youth played an instrumental role in navigating a tense political environment, mobilising grassroots support, and ensuring victory under the distinguished leadership of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills (of blessed memory).

Similarly, in 2012, under President John Dramani Mahama, NDC youth was pivotal not only in election mobilisation but also in defending the party’s mandate during the presidential election petition at the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Their contributions to research, evidence gathering, and strategic communication were critical in countering the opposition’s legal challenge.  

Yet, despite these monumental efforts, history has repeatedly shown that when it comes to the distribution of opportunities, government appointments, scholarships, training programs, and professional development initiatives, many of these committed young members are forgotten.

Those who once relied on the youth for campaign efforts, National, Regional, and Constituency Executives; Ministers; Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs); and CEOs of state-owned enterprises, often become inaccessible, failing to honour their promises of inclusion.

This persistent neglect has led to widespread disillusionment, frustration, and voter apathy, which significantly contributed to the NDC’s loss in 2016.  

2. A New Era: Prioritizing Youth Inclusion and Empowerment  

As the NDC undergoes a revitalisation process, reigniting the spirit of grassroots mobilisation, the party’s leadership must not repeat past mistakes.

If the party is to maintain its momentum and secure future electoral victories, leadership must take concrete steps to:  Provide Economic and Professional Opportunities: Facilitate the integration of young party members into key government institutions, corporate boards, and leadership positions. 

Ensure equitable access to scholarships, training programs, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives. 

Create structured programs to support entrepreneurial ventures and job placements for young professionals within the party.  

Engage Youth in Decision-Making Processes:  
Institutionalize mechanisms that allow young members to participate in policymaking, governance, and party strategy. 

Establish a structured mentorship system where senior party members actively guide and support the next generation of leaders.  

Avoid Empty Promises and Delays:  

The common excuses, “plans are far advanced,” “things are in the pipeline,” and “very soon we will roll out initiatives”, no longer resonate with the party’s youth.  

Leadership must adopt a results-oriented approach, ensuring that policies aimed at youth empowerment are implemented with urgency and transparency.  

3. A Call to Action: The Road to 2028 Begins Now  
The 2028 general elections may seem distant, but political strategy is an ongoing process. The NPP is already laying the groundwork for a return to power, actively engaging in grassroots mobilisation, economic patronage, and media influence.

The NDC cannot afford complacency. To maintain its relevance and build a resilient political base, the party must act now by fully integrating its youth into the party’s developmental agenda.  

The choice before us is clear: either we invest in and empower our youth today, or we risk repeating the mistakes that led to disillusionment and electoral setbacks in the past. The time for action is now, not in the distant future when electoral pressures mount.

With all due respect to our party leaders, I rest my case. The future of the NDC depends on the decisions we make today. Will we rise to the occasion or allow history to repeat itself?

Article By: Paul Gbeze