The National Democratic Congress’s Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) received high praise from Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Abas Apaak for their significant contribution to the party’s victory in the 2024 elections. Addressing a TEIN-UCC conference, Dr. Apaak acknowledged the student wing’s pivotal role in mobilizing support, campaigning effectively, disseminating information, and staunchly defending the party’s principles throughout the election period. He emphasized that their dedication and hard work were instrumental in securing the NDC’s triumph and hailed TEIN-UCC as a shining example of hope, courage, and unwavering resolve. Dr. Apaak’s commendation underscored the importance of youth engagement in political processes and highlighted the valuable contribution of student organizations in shaping electoral outcomes.
Looking beyond the immediate victory, Dr. Apaak challenged TEIN-UCC to embrace a larger role on the national stage, advocating for policies that reflect their values and ensuring their collective aspirations are realized. He urged them to become active participants in shaping national strategies and contributing to public discourse, pushing beyond the status quo to create a brighter future where every citizen’s voice is heard and their potential is fully realized. This call to action emphasized the potential of student organizations to influence policy and shape the national agenda beyond electoral cycles, highlighting their capacity to act as catalysts for positive change and progress within society.
Dr. Apaak, also the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, assured the students that the NDC’s appreciation for their efforts extended beyond mere words of praise. He outlined the party’s commitment to providing concrete opportunities for them after graduation, pointing to various government initiatives aimed at empowering youth economically. These programs included the 24-hour Economy policy designed to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, the Women’s Development Bank focused on providing financial support to women entrepreneurs, the National Apprenticeship Programme offering practical skills training, and the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. This commitment to tangible support underscored the party’s recognition of the importance of investing in the future of young people and providing them with the tools they need to succeed after completing their education.
The Deputy Minister’s address emphasized the importance of TEIN’s continued engagement and activism within the party. He underscored the vital role of the student wing in revitalizing the NDC’s political fortunes, describing TEIN not just as a student organization but as the “living heartbeat” of the party’s future. This characterization highlighted the significance of youth participation in maintaining the party’s vitality and ensuring its continued relevance in the political landscape, emphasizing the crucial role of student organizations as incubators for future leaders and drivers of innovation within the party.
Dr. Apaak’s address to TEIN-UCC served as both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for the future. His commendation of their contributions to the electoral victory underscored the power of youth engagement in political processes, while his challenge for them to play a larger role in national discourse and policy formulation highlighted the potential of student organizations to be agents of change. The commitment to providing tangible opportunities for graduates reinforced the party’s commitment to investing in the future of young people, while the emphasis on TEIN’s ongoing activism underscored the vital role of youth in shaping the party’s future direction.
Overall, the message conveyed by Dr. Apaak was one of empowerment, encouraging the students to leverage their collective voice and energy to shape a brighter future for themselves and the nation as a whole. He painted a picture of TEIN not just as a student wing but as a vital force within the NDC, responsible for driving innovation, shaping policy, and ultimately, ensuring the party’s continued relevance and success in the years to come. His words were a testament to the power of youth engagement and a call for TEIN-UCC to rise to the challenge and embrace their role as future leaders of the party and the nation.
