Young NPP members attend ideological orientation to learn party values and principles.

Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Council of Elders, Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, has called for intensified ideological education among the party’s youth as a strategic tool for winning elections and sustaining the party’s long-term gains.

He emphasised that mentorship and unwavering commitment were essential to shaping the party’s future and safeguarding Ghana’s democratic progress.

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang made the call during a National Council of Elders mentorship programme held for the party’s young patriots at the NPP headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.

He said it was important to ground the next generation of NPP leaders in the core values and philosophies of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition. He said only through a deep understanding of the party’s ideological foundations could young members fully dedicate themselves to both the party’s growth and Ghana’s long-term development.

“The youth are the lifeblood of this great party, but without proper ideological grounding, their passion will lack direction. Mentorship and commitment are not optional—they are necessary. We must take deliberate steps to teach our young people what we stand for, where we’ve come from, and where we’re headed,” he stated.

He noted that while the party had made great strides in governance and policy, it must invest equally in nurturing future leaders who were ideologically alert, disciplined, and committed to public service.

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang cautioned against what he described as a growing trend of political impatience among some young party activists. He urged them to pursue a long-term vision for leadership built on loyalty, learning, and ideological clarity.

“It is not enough to aspire to leadership positions. You must earn it through sacrifice, understanding, and a deep sense of service. That’s what our tradition demands,” he advised.

He told the youth to learn from the party’s founding members and to prioritize the party’s interests above individual interests. According to him, the party’s success depends on the commitment and unity of its members.

Commendation

He further expressed his gratitude to Mr. Kwadwo Afari, Director of Protocol at NPP Headquarters, for initiating the Young Patriots mentorship program. He said Mr. Afari’s efforts in designing the programme, including a trip to showcase village economies and the party’s history, were particularly commendable.

Mr. Owusu-Agyemang also shared insights into the party’s history, including the adoption of the elephant as its symbol. He underscored the importance of understanding the NPP’s core philosophy and ideology, urging young members to engage actively by asking questions and seeking guidance from seasoned party figures.

He noted that the party’s continued success hinged on building a strong and united front. He encouraged the youth to collaborate towards a shared vision, placing the party’s collective interests above personal ambition.

Realignment

For his part, Mr. Kwadwo Afari, Director of Protocol at NPP Headquarters, also appealed to the party particularly the youth to reconnect with the foundational philosophies, ideologies, and beliefs that gave birth to the political tradition. He cautioned that failure to do so could erode the party’s connection with the Ghanaian people.

Mr. Afari emphasised the urgency of ideological realignment within the NPP as it reorganises and prepares for the 2028 general elections. He stressed that in recent years, the party’s grassroots appeal and its core identity had faced challenges, largely due to a growing disconnect from its original values.

“There is a need to go back to our roots. Our Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition is grounded in principles of freedom, individual liberty, private enterprise, and respect for rule of law. These must not only remain in our history books or slogans but should actively guide our policies, engagements, and vision for Ghana,” he told the youth.

Mr. Afari noted that while the NPP had chalked significant developmental milestones in government, the ideological cohesion and identity that once distinguished the party risk being diluted if the youth fail to understand and propagate its foundational doctrines.

“We risk losing touch with the people if we neglect the very philosophies that made us the party of hope and progress. We must not allow electoral outcomes to replace ideological clarity,” he advised.

He called on party youth to immerse themselves in political education, champion the party’s values in their communities, and engage the electorate not only with policy promises but also with the conviction of belief in what the NPP stands for.

“This generation has the tools, the platforms, and the energy. But without a clear ideological compass, we will drift. Let us reawaken our belief in liberal democracy, private sector-led development, and inclusive governance,” he stressed.