Future of Ghana is tied to NDC — Armah-Kofi Buah
The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared that the future of Ghana is closely tied to the fortunes of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
"The future of this country is tied to the NDC," he declared.
He made the remarks at the opening session of the 2nd Quadrennial Western Regional Youth Conference of the NDC, held over the weekend in Takoradi.
According to him, the NDC has consistently implemented policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Ghanaians and promoting national development.
Reflecting on the state of the country when the Mahama administration assumed office, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said the government inherited an economy burdened by debt and environmental degradation.
"You knew the shape of the economy when we took over. We were completely engulfed in debt. In fact, at some point, if you were not careful, you would have run away because of the challenges.
"The mess was serious. Environmental degradation was widespread. Today, just about a year and a half later, I can stand here and tell you that we have reclaimed all our forest reserves.
"Nobody is in the forest reserves destroying them. The economy is on the right path, and we are restoring hope. At our last Cabinet meeting, we approved almost half a billion cedis for investment in education, including the rehabilitation of schools. We are also investing heavily in healthcare.
"This is the NDC, and we have achieved all this in just a year and a half while working to lift the country out of a deep economic hole."
The Minister also highlighted the government's job creation efforts, noting that even ministries not traditionally associated with employment generation are contributing significantly.
"Even within this period, we have created many jobs. My ministry, which is not traditionally known for creating jobs, has created over 2,000 Blue Water Guard jobs.
"It has been a period of sacrifice. But I can assure you that the next budget will be a budget of empowerment for our young people. That is where we are headed. The future of this country is indeed tied to the NDC, and you are the engine of the party. The future is very bright."
The veteran legislator, who is serving his fifth term in Parliament, said the NDC remains Ghana's best option for good governance because of its prudent management of the economy.
According to him, President John Dramani Mahama inherited a depleted economy but responded with sound economic policies that have restored stability, predictability and confidence.
He said the government's economic recovery measures have attracted international attention, adding that officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been impressed by the pace of the turnaround.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah described the NDC Youth Wing as the backbone of the party, acknowledging its enormous contribution to the party's success both in opposition and in government.
"You are the engine of the NDC," he told the delegates.
Sharing his personal political journey, the former Deputy Minority Leader recounted how many people doubted his decision to challenge former Ellembelle MP Freddy Blay, one of Ghana's most influential politicians.
He noted that Mr. Blay had served as First and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and was a three-term Member of Parliament with an extensive political network.
Despite the odds, he said hard work, perseverance and determination enabled him to defeat the political heavyweight and win the Ellembelle seat for the NDC.
He described the contest as a modern-day David and Goliath battle.
Touching on the future of the party, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah urged the youth to combine hard work with strategic thinking.
"One of the things we need to correct in our party is that while hard work in politics is important, we must also be smart. God helps those who help themselves.
"Today, I am announcing 100 scholarships for members of the Youth Wing. Whether you want to pursue a trade, acquire technical skills, study IT or further your education, we will support you.
"One of the key responsibilities of the party is to build your capacity so that you have every opportunity to succeed. In the NDC, when you work hard and have what it takes, you deserve to be promoted."
He stressed that the future of the party depends largely on its youth.
"The NDC's future is tied to the Youth Wing. If we take our eyes off the youth, the party will not survive. More than 70 per cent of Ghana's voters are under the age of 40.
"That tells us how critical the Youth Wing is. We must continue to empower young people to become the future leaders of our party and our country. During the campaign, nobody worked harder than you. I met all of you, and I know the sacrifices you made."
He concluded by acknowledging the role the youth played in the party's electoral victory.
"You are the reason the NDC is in power. You are the reason President Mahama is President. In fact, you are the reason I'm serving as a minister."