Accra: The European Union Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Political Parties Project has successfully fostered cross-party collaboration and leadership skills among emerging young political leaders,
According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at the closing workshop in Accra, Project Manager Ms. Lawrencia Akosua Pomaa highlighted the initiative's success in bringing together young leaders from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to collaborate and build lasting relationships.
The six-month project dismantled political barriers by creating an inclusive platform where student leaders from the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) and the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) engaged constructively, despite their political differences. Ms. Pomaa emphasized that the project bridged gaps and fostered enduring friendships, enabling participants to work together on national issues and cultivate a culture of constructive dialogue.
Participants received practical training in leadership, strategic communication, and technical writing, with a focus on drafting policy briefs and parliamentary proposals. Ms. Pomaa shared that draft policy documents were being refined for possible presentation before a parliamentary committee, showcasing the tangible outcomes of the project.
The program also introduced participants to parliamentary procedures through a simulation exercise, encouraging critical thinking and appreciation for democratic debate. Training in financial resource management and exposure to experienced political leaders and academics further enriched the participants' experience.
Looking to the future, Ms. Pomaa expressed confidence that many beneficiaries would assume leadership positions in Ghana within the next five to ten years, noting that many of the country's current political leaders had risen through student leadership. She urged participants to remain committed to lifelong learning, emphasizing that learning is an ongoing process.
Funded by the European Union and led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), the WYDE Political Parties Project was implemented in Ghana by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office. The initiative aimed to strengthen democratic governance and youth participation through leadership training, mentorship, and capacity-building workshops.