Let's Embrace Intergenerational Leadership And Shun Age-Based Discrimination In The NPP

I write this piece with a great sense of duty as an active advocate and member of the NPP in the Northern Region of Ghana.

First and foremost, in an attempt to strengthen the frontiers and internal democratic system and principles of our Party in opposition.

Several stringent measures and steps must be taken into consideration once we are poised and battle-ready to regain power.

However, we can't accomplish this through mere talk and lip service without action. Action, they say, speaks louder than words.

As a young politician in the NPP, I'm equally concerned, in my considered view, about some recent developments within the Party.

A Party that believed and championed youth involvement and participation regarding its activities and democratic practices is on a downward trend or slope.

The question on the minds of many emerging young ones with keen interest in politics is: why the sudden change of events towards youth engagement and participation?

In fact, there is a certain strength development regarding age-based discrimination in some constituencies and Regions where the youth are being sidelined, frustrated, and demeaned.

This happens particularly when it comes to vying for positions, and in the sharing of ideas and views once they emanate from the young ones.

As an advocate for the voices of the smart young ones to be considered, I'm appalled and disgusted by this situation, which will derail the progress of the Party moving forward into the 2028 election.

Holistically, no one can deny the fact that the youth plays an integral and vital role in our Party's daily activities in mobilization and its communication.

Furthermore, it's also an undeniable fact that the elders and the bigwigs of the Party have sacrificed and toiled through thick and thin for the Party.

Despite the above-mentioned, the future of the Party depends on the calibre of people being groomed and nurtured to replace the current leaders.

Realistically, why should some discriminate and undermine the impact, support, and contributions of the emerging young politicians within our Party?

This question begs for answers from those who see the emergence of the young, energetic, and intelligent as a threat to their relevance in the political landscape.

Our distinguished Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has demonstrated why youth participation is imperative to the future of our beloved Party, the NPP.

Unquestionably, he has allowed the young folks in his circles to work for him and the Party as a whole, and that's a mark of a generational leader with direction.

For this reason, it beats my imagination why some people in other Constituencies tried all means to blacklist the young ones with a deep analytical approach to political issues.

Simply put, the NPP will be attractive again once this inward attitude exhibited by some people within is nipped in the bud moving forward.

In clear terms, and this is a clarion call to the leadership of the Party to consider youth involvement as welcoming news to the growth and development of the NPP.

In all honesty, no political Party will survive in this contemporary political arena or environment without the support, participation, and deep engagement of the youth or the young ones.

With the greatest of respect, we have come far as a political Party and it's time for leadership to reflect on the current circumstances of the Party and embrace intergenerational leadership.

In summary, I strongly believe that we have a chance as a political Party with the quest to recapture power to change what could be a barrier to youth development.

We have the opportunity to embrace intelligent and smart youth and groom them to take leadership roles through mentorship and capacity-building programs.

Author: Abdulai Abdul-Razak
Tamale South Constituency
abdulrazakabdulai940@gmail.com

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