As the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) heads to its Presidential and Parliamentary primaries, quite a significant amount of youth have shown interest in taking up the mantle to lead.
Thirteen aspirants have filed their nomination to contest some big wigs in the party to bring new ways of governance in the various constituencies they seek to represent.
It is unknown the reason behind the numbers, but recent protests by the youth in Ghana against those in authority have empowered the youth to be more active in their criticism.
This maybe the reason why the youth in the party have decided contest to change the narrative and provide better lives to the constituents they seek to represent.
Here are the bold candidates in their prime who are ready to go up against big names in the party on May 13, 2023.
Emmanuel Kojo Jones-Mensah
The 32-year-old is an entrepreneur and philanthropist born in Accra. He seeks to win the Keta Constituency seat being occupied by Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey.
Education: London Metropolitan University LLB, Business Law (2009 – 2011); Coventry University MBA, Oil & Gas Management ( (2011 – 2012) and Rushford Business School, European Professional Doctorate (EDP-EU) (2022).
He is the Chief Executive Officer of Empire Domus Group Ltd, KJM Trading LTD and serves as the Director of Dominion Int.Petroleum Ltd.
Kwame Obeng Adjinah
Mr Obeng Adjinah, another entrepreneur, plans to secure the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai seat, being occupied by New Patriotic Party’s Alfred Obeng for the NDC.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Land Economy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He also holds a Professional Executive Master in ADR from University of Virgin Islands and Pulse of Africa (GGA).
Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu
Baba Sadiq, 37, has a similar ambition as Mr Obeng Adjinah. He also wants to win the Okaikoi Central seat from Patrick Yaw Boamah of the NPP, for the party.
The founder of 3 Media Networks Limited who is a trained media, communications and sustainability specialist and entrepreneur has 17 years of working experience.
He has made a huge impact in the music industry, where his company, 3 Media Networks Limited acknowledges well-deserving artists.
Eric Edem Agbana
Deputy National Deputy Youth Organiser, Eric Edem Agbana, will also be contesting in the upcoming primaries. The 29-year-old is set to contest for the Ketu North parliamentary seat.
Mr Agbana is a Fellow of the prestigious School of Transnational Governance of the European University Institute, Policy Analyst and Social Entrepreneur with interest in helping Startups and Non-Profit Organisations to build sustainable business models.
He is also the NDC’s manifesto spokesperson on Youth Development. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Economic Policy Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration, Leadership and Governance.
Lamtiig Abugri Apanga Esq.
The private legal practitioner, believed to be below the age of 40, seeks to contest Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaanev for the Nabdam seat.
The lawyer has since 2017 provided legal services to the party. He served on the Protocol and Accreditation Committee of the NDC during the National Delegates Conference held in Accra, 2022.
Mr Apanga holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelors of Law (LLB) from the University of Ghana. Again, he holds HND Marketing from Takoradi Polytechnic (Takoradi Technical University).
Alhassan Sayibu Suhiyini
The Tamale North legislator hopes to retain his seat. The 43-year-old made his first appearance in Parliament in 2016.
Mr Suhuyini is working on a PHD in Public Administration. He is expected to complete it in 2024.
Dela Goldheart
Amelia Amedela Amemate, popularly known as Dela Goldheart is a Ghanaian Gender activist and feminist. Dela is among female candidates who will be contesting in the upcoming primaries.
She served notice of contesting the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Anlo Constituency of the Volta Region in a Facebook post.
Dela is a product of the University of Ghana. She was one of the aspirants for the 2012/2013 Student Representative Council (SRC) Presidential elections and she was popularly known as Ame Ame, a nickname coined from her full name.
She has embarked on various philanthropic works. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and as of the time of filing this report, was pursuing a PhD in Gender.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
42-year-old Ablakwa is also working on retaining the North Tongu seat for the third time. He won the North Tongu seat in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
Mr Ablawa who has been a key critic of the National Cathedral project has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Philosophy (2006), an MA in Communications and Public Relations (2017), as well as Master of Science in Defence and International Politics (MDIP) (2019).
He once served as Deputy Minister of Information and Education under the previous NDC government.
John Dumelo
39-year-old, actor turned politician, John Dumelo, has also not relented on his quest to be the next MP for the Ayawaso West Wuogon. He is set to mount a spirited comeback as some residents in the Guan District have supported him with a token of GHC 5,500 for his filing fee.
Mr Dumelo obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He had his basic education at the Christ the King School in Accra. He attended Achimota School, was part of the Drama Club and also won the Fliers Guy in Mo-TOWN prize.
He is currently a farmer and politician.
Samuel Nartey George
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, who made his first appearance in Parliament in 2016 also wants to retain his seat for the second time.
The 37-year-old who hails from Ahwiam, Old Ningo, has a Bsc. Degree in Agricultural Engineering (Soil & Water Engineering) (2005), Bachelor Of Law Degree (Llb) (General Law) (2015), and an Executive Masters (Dissertation) (Conflict, Peace & Security) ( 2020).
He once served at the Office of the President as a Communications Specialist.
Francisca Mawufemor Adjei
Francisca Mawufemor Adjei will slug it out with Joycelyn Tetteh; the incumbent MP for North Dayi.
She has held various portfolios in the party including the Branch women organiser for Ayawaso central constituency (Freeman hostel branch), from 2004 -2012, a Branch member in the Odododiodo Constituency from 2012, among others.
She also worked with the Electoral Commission as an officer during the 2012 voter registration.
The CEO of Franca’s Kitchen and Francisca Mawufemor Adjei Foundation has a Degree and Masters in Communication from the African University College of Communications.
Yayra Vera Hayibor
Another female aspirant to look out for is Yayra Vera Hayibor who is in the race for the only orphan seat in the Volta Region; Hohoe. Yayra Vera Hayibor is a product of Mawuli school where she completed her secondary education in 2007.
She is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Theatre Arts in 2014.
She proceeded to study law at the University of Strathclyde in 2015 and graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law and Sustainable Development. Her Master of Law thesis has been published on the challenge’s worldwide website.
Yayra is currently pursuing a PhD in Law, with focus on Labour and Immigration law at the University of Glasgow Law School and on the Work on Demand research team.
Prince Benson Mankotam (Out)
Mr Mankotam would have made it on the list but for his sudden withdrawal. In a Facebook post on February 24, 2023, he announced his decision not to pick up forms to contest.
According to him, the decision was made after considering several factors post the declaration of intent.
On January 21, 2023, Mr Mankotam announced his intention to contest for the Senya East seat.
Despite his withdrawal he noted that “the right choice is to send the elephant back to the bush.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, February 24, 2023, the NDC officially closed all nominations.
Source: The Independent Ghana