A former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Paul Apreku Twum-Barimah, has rallied members of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) and youth organisers across the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts towards securing victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the 2028 general elections.
Addressing a high-level meeting of TESCON executives and youth organisers within the party’s Bono bloc, Mr. Twum-Barimah urged them to focus relentlessly on grassroots strength, discipline and strategic mobilisation, insisting that the party’s electoral success will depend largely on the effectiveness, organisation and visibility of its youth-driven structures at the base.
“Dear TESCON and wonderful youth, I urge you to win the base, win 2028 for Bawumia. If we are serious about winning 2028, then our focus must be clear—strengthen the base, empower our youth, and deepen our connection with the people. Elections are won at the grassroots,” he emphasised.
Consistent engagement
He stressed that elections are won through consistent engagement at the community level, not episodic activity during campaign seasons, and charged them to build active polling station networks, deepen voter relationships and maintain a constant presence in their constituencies.
Mr. Twum-Barimah further emphasised that discipline and message cohesion must define their operations, warning that fragmented efforts and inconsistency could undermine the party’s prospects. He called for a results-oriented approach anchored on data, coordination and clear communication, noting that a well-organised grassroots machinery, powered by committed and well-trained youth, remains the surest pathway to securing a decisive victory in 2028.
Youth central
Mr. Twum-Barimah underscored the centrality of the youth to the party’s electoral fortunes, noting that no political organisation can succeed without a vibrant, disciplined and ideologically grounded youth front.
“The strength of any political party lies in the capacity, discipline and commitment of its youth wing. If we are serious about 2028, then we must be deliberate in building from the base. That is where elections are won or lost,” he further stated.
He charged TESCON members and youth organisers to move beyond mere partisan activism and invest in personal development, leadership training and political education.
“Effective political participation must be grounded in knowledge, discipline and a clear understanding of our ideological direction. You must prepare yourselves not just as campaigners, but as future leaders who can sustain the vision of the party,” he told the youth.
The engagement
The meeting brought together key youth actors within the party’s stronghold regions and served as a platform for dialogue, mentorship and strategic reflection on the role of young people in shaping the future of the NPP. The TESCON members engaged extensively with the former legislator on issues of party organisation, governance, political communication and grassroots engagement.
The engagement also featured a brief but symbolic ceremony during which TESCON executives and youth organisers presented Mr. Twum-Barimah with a citation in recognition of his longstanding commitment to youth empowerment and party development.
Citation
The citation praised his consistent support for young political actors, his accessibility to grassroots organisers and his role in mentoring emerging leaders within the NPP.
Presenting the honour on behalf of the group, a representative of the youth organisers commended Mr. Twum-Barimah for his “unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of political leadership.”
“Your guidance and interventions over the years have helped shape the political outlook of many young members across Bono, Bono East and Ahafo,” the citation noted. “We are grateful for your continued investment in the future of this party.”
Appreciation
Receiving the citation, Mr. Twum-Barimah expressed deep appreciation to the organisers, describing the gesture as both humbling and motivating.
“This recognition is not just about me; it is about the collective effort to build a stronger and more inclusive party. It inspires me to do even more in supporting and mentoring the next generation,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in Parliament and public life, the former MP emphasised the importance of unity and strategic coordination among party youth, particularly in an increasingly competitive political environment.
“We cannot afford disunity or complacency. Our strength lies in our ability to work together, to speak with one voice, and to execute our strategies with precision,” he stressed. He further highlighted the need for consistency in messaging and deeper engagement at the grassroots level.
“Politics is about connection. You must be present in your communities, understand the concerns of the people, and communicate our message in a way that resonates with their everyday realities,” he added.
Mr. Twum-Barimah also used the occasion to call on TESCON members and youth organisers to rally behind the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and work tirelessly towards securing a decisive mandate in 2028.
“A united front behind our flagbearer is critical. We must deliver a resounding victory that will not only strengthen the party but also provide the leadership needed to move Ghana forward,” he stated.
High stakes
He argued that the stakes for the 2028 elections would be high, describing them as pivotal to the country’s economic recovery and long-term stability.
“We must approach 2028 with a sense of urgency and purpose. The work starts now, and it starts with you—the youth. Win the base, and we will win the future,” he further reiterated.
The former MP further urged the youth to take ownership of grassroots mobilisation, intensify voter education campaigns and actively promote the party’s message across campuses and local communities.
“You are the foot soldiers of this party. Go out there, organise, educate, and mobilise. Let every campus, every community feel your presence,” he further told the youth.
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