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Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has advocated for the establishment of robust political party structures that can yield high-caliber leadership and maintain public trust beyond election triumphs. During the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Continental Dialogue among Political Parties in Seoul, South Korea, he emphasized that the caliber of governance is established long before political leaders take their seats.

Asiedu Nketiah, with a wealth of experience in grassroots politics, Parliament, and government, highlighted the pivotal role political parties play in determining opportunities, rewarding qualities, setting conduct standards, and treating policy ideas seriously.

He warned that political parties risk only preparing for election victories if they neglect crucial aspects like policy development, leadership training, and institutional capacity. Nketiah stressed that a country may suffer significant consequences when political parties excel at winning elections but fall short in preparing individuals for governance.

The NDC leader also pointed out that electoral successes can sometimes expose underlying institutional flaws when parties assume governance responsibilities. He stressed the importance of cultivating a diverse pool of capable leaders instead of relying on a limited circle of familiar figures. Nketiah underscored that a party's endurance hinges on its ability to produce leadership across generations.

He noted the evolving relationship between citizens and political parties, particularly with younger generations questioning political authority. Parties must actively renew their relevance rather than assuming support from one generation will naturally pass to the next. Nketiah urged political parties to serve as platforms for leadership development, serious policy consideration, introducing novel ideas, and providing meaningful opportunities for qualified individuals to enter public life.

He further stressed the significance of parties being effective both in government and opposition roles. Opposition parties should leverage their time out of power to fortify policy, leadership, and organizational capacities rather than simply awaiting the governing party's failure.

Governing parties must remain connected to the communities whose support brought them to office, as elections may bring parties into power, but sustained performance, organization, and public confidence are essential to maintain their political relevance. Asiedu Nketiah called for practical inter-continental political exchange, suggesting the newly established Inter-Continental Dialogue should transition from formal statements to a platform for parties to share real-world experiences.

He highlighted key areas where parties could learn from each other, such as leadership renewal, post-electoral defeat recovery, maintaining internal cohesion, policy capacity development, and adapting to shifting political landscapes. Nketiah expressed hope that the Dialogue would evolve into a durable working relationship, encouraging participants to learn from other parties' successes and failures.

He hoped the initiative would foster stronger relationships, knowledge exchange, expose emerging leaders to diverse political traditions beyond their home countries, and establish practical areas of cooperation. Nketiah concluded by congratulating the organizers and participants, urging sustained efforts to fortify political institutions globally. He emphasized that while political victories may be fleeting, a party's enduring legacy lies in the quality of leadership, institutions, and political culture it bequeaths.