Accra: A new political movement, The Base Movement (TBM), has been officially launched in Accra with a call on the youth to take an active role in transforming Ghana's future through innovation, discipline, and productive enterprise.
According to Ghana News Agency, the launch, held at Tesano, followed a float from Kwame Nkrumah Circle along some principal streets to the Movement's newly unveiled headquarters on Monday. The event drew supporters, youth groups, aggrieved members of the two leading political parties - National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and sympathisers from across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. George Oti Bonsu, Founder of TBM, said Ghana needs practical and visionary leadership, stressing that the country's progress depended on leaders with the ability to create jobs and empower citizens. He advocated for a business-oriented approach to governance, noting that individuals with proven capacity to generate employment opportunities were best suited for national leadership.
Dr. Bonsu mentioned his preference for business-minded individuals in leadership roles, such as Ibrahim Mahama or Kennedy Agyapong, who understand job creation. He emphasized that employing and empowering the youth could prevent hardship and crime driven by hunger.
He also stated that the Movement's flagbearer for the 2028 election would prioritize agriculture as a central pillar of national development. He lamented the negative perception surrounding farming in Ghana, highlighting its significance in other countries where educated individuals actively engage in agriculture.
Dr. Bonsu expressed that agriculture and tourism could serve as twin pillars for development across Ghana and the African continent, urging a national shift in mindset to accord respect to farming. He used the symbolism of two tractors leading the float to emphasize the wisdom and knowledge that must be appreciated and harnessed.
Appealing to young people to rally behind the Movement, Dr. Bonsu described them as the country's hope and future, stating that The Base exists to unite and improve the nation. Apostle Paul Agyekum, a leading member, dismissed claims that the group was formed to solicit funds from established political parties, asserting its mission to rescue Ghanaians from misgovernance.
Apostle Agyekum affirmed the Movement's intention to contest the 2028 general election, pledging to present a credible and capable presidential candidate. He highlighted the group's patriotism and support, exceeding financial motivations.
Delivering a message on behalf of the youth, Lawrence Amenuvo described the current state of the country as a crossroads, with untapped potential due to challenges like lack of direction, discipline, and integrity. He questioned whether the youth would rise to create change and called for an education system that fosters creativity and problem-solving.
Mr. Amenuvo also identified corruption as a major obstacle to national development, pledging that the Movement would prioritize accountability and job creation. He urged unity and self-belief among the youth to achieve the party's goals.