Dr. Nicholas Zangina, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Upper East Regional Communications Team, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of deliberately excluding young people from its internal presidential selection process ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Responding to the NPP’s recently released guidelines for the 2025 presidential primaries, Dr. Zangina labeled the party’s nomination fees as “unrealistic and discriminatory,” arguing that they effectively bar the average Ghanaian youth from participating in leadership contests.
“The filing fee of GH¢500,000 and nomination form fee of GH¢100,000 automatically sidelines the average Ghanaian youth,” he said during a media engagement. “This is a deliberate design to benefit a specific candidate and lock out young, economically disempowered members of the party.”
Speaking on A1 Radio, Dr. Zangina emphasized that under the NPP’s eight-year rule, Ghanaian youth have been consistently marginalized—citing issues such as rampant youth unemployment, economic hardship, and unpaid pension deductions. He argued that the prohibitive cost of running for political office is a continuation of this marginalization and a deterrent to youth political participation in Ghana.
“This exorbitant cost highlights the party’s indifference to the economic struggles of young people, especially those who are passionate about public service and leadership,” he added.
The NPP, through a statement issued by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, announced that nomination forms for its upcoming flagbearer race will be available from July 29, 2025, with the internal election scheduled for January 31, 2026, and a potential runoff on February 14, 2026. All forms must be picked up at the NPP National Secretariat in Accra, with payments made via banker’s draft.
However, Dr. Zangina contends that these guidelines undermine democratic inclusion, particularly for the youth who lack financial backing but possess leadership potential.
Dr. Zangina concluded by asserting that the NPP’s current framework discredits the concept of meritocracy in leadership and creates a political environment where only the wealthy can participate. He argued that such exclusionary practices undermine Ghana’s democratic progress and close the door on a future where the youth play a central role in nation-building.
“The NDC wants a worthy opponent in 2028. But if the NPP continues with this skewed and undemocratic process, it only reveals their disregard for inclusive governance,” he emphasized.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
