Filed by: Benedicta Beyir/Radio Mak
Aspiring National Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Basiera Saankara, has called for greater unity and sustained engagement among party members as the party prepares for its next electoral challenge.
Speaking on Mak Morning Talk on Tuesday, September 8, he said a united and well-organised party would be better positioned to confront future electoral challenges and continue to strengthen its structures at the grassroots.
As the NDC enters another phase of internal organisation, the former Wa West DCE emphasised the need for unity and continuous engagement among party members and structures.
He said the party’s ability to remain cohesive, support its grassroots and address logistical challenges would be critical to sustaining its electoral strength.
Hon. Basiera Saankara therefore urged all members to put the collective interest of the party above individual interests and work together to consolidate the gains made in the 2024 elections.
Although the NDC is currently in government following its victory in the 2024 general elections, the Upper West Regional Youth Organiser cautioned party members against complacency.
He stressed that the party’s electoral victory was the result of the collective efforts of its members, supporters and various structures across the region.
He therefore urged members to remain united, committed and actively involved in the party’s activities, particularly as preparations begin towards constituency-level elections and nominations.
Regional Youth Wing and TEIN Retreat
Mr. Saankara explained that the recently organised Regional Youth Wing and TEIN Retreat, held on August 22, provided an important platform for constituency youth organisers and other party stakeholders from across the region and beyond to deliberate on issues affecting the party.
He maintained that regular engagement among party structures is essential to enable members to assess challenges, identify opportunities and develop a common strategy for the party’s future.
He said the retreat offered participants the opportunity to reflect on the NDC’s performance in the 2024 general elections, acknowledge the contributions of party members and supporters, and discuss the party’s transition into government as well as its ongoing reorganisation.
Logistical Support for Youth Wings
Basiera Saankara also drew attention to the logistical challenges confronting the youth wing, citing the 2024 election campaign as a case study.
He recalled that regional organisers, communication officers and women organisers were provided with pickup vehicles to facilitate their work, but said the youth wing was left out of the retooling exercise.
According to him, the situation made it difficult for constituency youth organisers to effectively discharge their responsibilities across the region.
Despite the challenge, he managed to become the first elected Regional Youth Organiser to provide motorbikes for all 11 constituencies in the region.
He explained that the initiative was intended to improve the mobility of constituency youth organisers and enable them to effectively carry out their duties.
Hon. Saankara acknowledged Alhaji Alhassan Gbangu, a party financier, for the support. He disclosed that Alhaji Gbangu initially intended his assistance for selected orphan constituencies but subsequently extended the support to all constituencies through the regional youth wing following his appeal.
He said the motorbikes were provided before the party itself began considering the retooling of constituency youth organisers.
He highlighted the importance of the youth in consolidating the gains of 2024 as the party heads into the 2028 general elections.
The National Youth Organiser aspirant, therefore, called on party leaders to give serious attention to the youth front in order to make the 2028 election and easy one for the NDC.
