The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has declared that the 2028 general election will be significantly shaped by young voters. He urged members of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON), the party's student wing, to actively prepare for leadership positions within the party and government.
Dr. Bawumia stated that the NPP is intentionally investing in the training and development of young people. This focus stems from the belief that the youth hold a critical position in the nation's political future and electoral outcomes. He highlighted this during the opening of a three-day leadership training program in Accra last Thursday. The initiative is named the 2026 Leadership Pipeline. Dr. Bawumia stressed the party's commitment to youth empowerment and succession planning. The training is designed to equip students for future responsibilities.
This strategic focus on youth aligns with national demographic trends. Ghana's population has a substantial youth demographic. This group often shows high engagement in political processes. Previous elections, including the 2024 polls, have demonstrated the electoral power of young people. The NPP aims to harness this energy and influence for the 2028 contest. The party seeks to build a strong base of future leaders from its youth wings. This approach can be seen as a long-term investment in political capital.
“The vote is largely youth-dominated. 2028, as it was in 2024, will be a youth-dominated election,” Dr. Bawumia stated. He added that TESCON activities and campus engagements will be significantly expanded before the next elections. The party plans to actively present its ideas and policies directly to tertiary institutions nationwide. Dr. Bawumia also pledged his personal commitment to visiting campuses frequently in the coming years.
Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence in the NPP's prospects for the 2028 elections. However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the necessity of hard work and early preparation. Victory will require sustained effort and commitment from all party members. He urged TESCON members to remain united and resilient when facing political challenges. The party intends to counter any attempts at intimidation. Dr. Bawumia encouraged students to use the training to hone leadership skills. These skills are vital for future roles in government and national development.