National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has called on the party to prioritise ideas, policy, and organisation in its upcoming national executive elections. He made the statement on Facebook on Sunday, October 4, following the NPP's election of a new national executive team at its National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3. Mr Opare Addo emphasised that the NDC should not mirror the NPP's aggressive style of politics.
The NPP elected John Boadu as National Chairman, Justin Kodua as General Secretary, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover as National Organiser, and Abanga Fuseini Yakubu as National Youth Organiser. In response, Mr Opare Addo urged the NDC to focus on its internal elections as an opportunity to define its political organisation and direction. He encouraged delegates to assess the party's future based on its ideas, policies, organisational strength, and intellectual capacity.
Mr Opare Addo cautioned against political competition spilling into intimidation and violence, distinguishing between vigorous political mobilisation and actions that threaten democratic participation. He stated that Ghana must never cross the line into political violence and that the NDC's forthcoming national executive elections should serve as a broader conversation about the party's political direction.
The NDC Youth Organiser reflected on the party's recent history, citing the 2022 leadership elections as an example of an internal process that helped reposition the party and broaden its appeal. He also pointed to the youth wing's Green Army mobilisation as evidence that young people could be organised around political purpose and consciousness.
Mr Opare Addo warned against a return to what he described as "personality, insults, factionalism, and permanent confrontation", saying such an approach would undermine the party's broader objectives. He emphasised that the answer to aggressive politics cannot be greater aggression and that the NDC should be prepared to compete vigorously while maintaining responsibility in the exercise of political power.
The NDC Youth Organiser urged delegates to consider not only who should occupy leadership positions but also "what kind of NDC do we want to build, and what kind of politics do we want Ghana to experience?" He stressed that building a better Ghana should be the party's ultimate measure of success, not electoral victory.
Mr Opare Addo's comments have been met with reactions from various stakeholders, with some welcoming his call for a more issue-based approach to politics. The NDC's national executive elections are expected to take place soon, with 50 vetted candidates contesting positions in the Effutu constituency.
Key points
- NDC Youth Organiser George Opare Addo urges party to focus on ideas, policy, and organisation in upcoming national executive elections
- Opare Addo cautions against adopting NPP's aggressive politics, emphasising the need for responsible competition
- NDC's forthcoming national executive elections should serve as a broader conversation about the party's political direction
