Comrade Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, currently the Head of Food Systems at the World Food Programme, has submitted his nomination forms to contest the position of National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress. His campaign focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, leadership development, and youth participation. Odarteifio aims to reposition the Youth Wing for economic empowerment. He filed his nomination at the party's national headquarters in Accra.
Odarteifio's decision to contest was influenced by Ghana's recurring political transitions between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party. He believes this cycle reflects the failure to build sustained political support among younger generations. Over the past 30 years, the country has experienced eight years of NDC governance followed by eight years of NPP governance. Odarteifio seeks to change this pattern by building a generation of committed supporters.
The aspiring National Youth Organiser emphasised the need for a more effective youth leadership structure that connects with young people's aspirations. He drew lessons from Asian economies, highlighting the importance of policy continuity and sustained political leadership for long-term economic transformation. Odarteifio aims to reshape the Youth Wing to empower young people and make them a blessing to every young person in Ghana.
Odarteifio's vision for the Youth Wing goes beyond political mobilisation. He proposes connecting young people to government initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the One Million Coders Programme. The Youth Wing could also help develop opportunities in agriculture, technology, skills training, and enterprise to address youth employment challenges.
With experience in international finance, public policy, agribusiness, and development programming, Odarteifio is well-equipped to lead the Youth Wing. He previously worked as a research analyst at Goldman Sachs and currently coordinates about $40 million in donor funding at the World Food Programme. His previous engagements include work on agricultural programmes and securing funding for agricultural infrastructure.
Odarteifio's professional background includes a degree in Computer Science from Ashesi University. He has over a decade of experience across investment banking, consulting, agribusiness, agricultural finance, and food systems. This experience will inform his leadership approach as National Youth Organiser. He also paid tribute to President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC's founding leaders.
Odarteifio aims to secure a 20-year period of NDC governance by strengthening the party's electoral fortunes through an economically empowered and nationally relevant Youth Wing. With his experience and vision, he seeks to make a positive impact on Ghana's youth and contribute to the country's economic transformation.
Key points
- Comrade Odarteifio's campaign focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, leadership development, and youth participation.
- He aims to reposition the Youth Wing for economic empowerment and connect young people to government initiatives.
- Odarteifio has experience in international finance, public policy, agribusiness, and development programming.
