Steven Nhyira Odarteifio declares bid for NDC National Youth Organiser

Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, a UN World Food Programme representative in Ghana, has announced his intention to run for the position of National Youth Organiser for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). At a press conference in Accra, Odarteifio outlined his vision for the party’s Youth Wing, emphasizing that it should focus on economic empowerment and opportunities for young people beyond just mobilising them for political rallies and elections.

Odarteifio argued that the NDC must transform government programmes into tangible opportunities for young people, citing initiatives such as Adwumawura, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and One Million Coders. He pledged to connect young people to resources like capital, skills, enterprise, agriculture, technology, and markets, with the goal of impacting the lives of one million additional young people during the John Dramani Mahama administration.

The candidate highlighted his extensive experience in youth development, agriculture, and enterprise, stating that his work had created opportunities and improved livelihoods for over 100,000 young people across the country. Odarteifio challenged the party to select leaders based on the depth of their ideas and their ability to deliver, rather than their financial resources.

He invoked the example of Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, former President Jerry John Rawlings, and Yaa Asantewaa to illustrate that leadership can emerge from individuals without conventional political advantages.

Odarteifio formally declared his candidacy, expressing his humility and gratitude, and emphasizing his commitment to empowering the NDC’s youth base economically. He believes that by doing so, the party can secure electoral success and maintain power for the next 20 years.