Accra: Salam Mustapha has revealed that he personally financed over half of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) youth wing operations during his four-year tenure as the National Youth Organiser. The role, which he will soon vacate, requires substantial financial commitment due to the absence of a dedicated budget, despite overseeing thousands of youth structures across Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, Mustapha shared on social media that his personal funds covered more than 50% of the youth wing's expenses. He highlighted the financial demands of managing the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON), which consists of hundreds of chapters needing support for elections, programs, and activities. He stated that TESCON alone requires millions of cedis to operate annually, leaving behind 255 chapters and expanding.
Mustapha pointed out that organizing elections for each TESCON institution could cost over GHS1 million, excluding other student activities. Additionally, the youth wing extends support to student politics beyond TESCON, such as Students' Representative Council (SRC) elections and national student organizations like the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), University Students Association of Ghana (USAG), and Private University Students Association of Ghana (PUSAG). He estimated that the student wing would need approximately GHS3 million to function effectively for nine months.
He urged potential successors to comprehend the position's demands before assuming it, emphasizing that the role is sacrificial and not financially rewarding, although it offers recognition. Mustapha mentioned that fundraising for youth activities was challenging even when the NPP was in government, and the task becomes more arduous in opposition. He recounted pursuing ministers and CEOs for support in Accra, indicating the difficulties faced when the party is not in power.
In conclusion, Mustapha advised the next youth organiser to brace themselves for criticism while staying focused on strengthening the party's youth base.