Accra: The Project Manager of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Ghana Project at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office, Lawrencia Akosua Pomaa, has emphasized the importance of investing in young political leaders early, stating that the country's future leadership depends on the values and skills they acquire today.
According to Ghana Web, Pomaa spoke at the closing ceremony of the European Union Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Political Parties Project in Accra on August 6, 2026. She noted that many of Ghana's current political leaders began their leadership journeys as student leaders and youth activists, highlighting the importance of equipping emerging leaders with the right tools and values. Pomaa stated, "Because if we look at the pattern five to 10 years from now, these are going to be the next leaders of our nation. People who have been SRC presidents, student leaders and youth political organisers are often the same people who eventually hold positions in Parliament and other high offices."
The six-month initiative, implemented by the KAS Ghana Office in collaboration with the European Union and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), aimed to prepare emerging political leaders for public office through training, mentorship, and dialogue on democratic governance, leadership, and political communication. Pomaa encouraged participants to maintain a culture of continuous learning even after the program had ended, advising them to always be eager to learn.
She highlighted the programme's success in bringing together young political leaders from different political traditions, helping them build lasting relationships beyond party affiliations. Participants from youth political groups, including TEIN and TESCON, engaged constructively and established friendships that could promote national development and political tolerance in the future.
Pomaa further mentioned that the programme strengthened participants' understanding of leadership, communication, and technical policy writing. Participants also took part in a parliamentary simulation exercise that exposed them to legislative debate and helped them develop healthy debating skills and the ability to present sound arguments on national issues.
Anna Wasserfall, Country Representative of the KAS Ghana Office, also addressed the ceremony, urging participants to uphold integrity, responsibility, and accountability in their leadership journeys. She emphasized that the true impact of the programme would be measured by the positive influence participants have in their communities and by the integrity they demonstrate in public life. Wasserfall added that democratic institutions become stronger when leaders demonstrate honesty, resilience, and accountability.
Jonas Claes, Deputy Head of Delegation and Head of the Political Section at the European Union Delegation to Ghana, reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to supporting youth participation and democratic governance in Ghana. Laurenz Van Ginneken, Project Manager at ENoP, encouraged participants to preserve the relationships formed during the programme and to prioritize national development above partisan interests.
The WYDE Political Parties Project is part of the European Union's broader Women and Youth Democratic Engagement programme, aiming to strengthen leadership capacity, promote inclusive political dialogue, and increase the participation of young people and women in democratic processes.