Ghana: Youth in the Convention People's Party

As it is my intention to speak with all political parties to hear their view on youth and politics, I have made appointments with them, with the help of IEA - NIMD's partner organization here in Ghana.

Today I went to visit the Convention People's Party (CPP), which was formed in 1949 during the struggle for independence. The CPP was the first party to rule Ghana after independence, with Dr Nkrumah as Ghana's founding father. With their significant history, today the CPP only has one member in Parliament, Ms Samia Nkrumah, the former President's daughter. I had a meeting with James Kwabena Bomfer Jr., who is an organizer at the CPP. He explained me the role of youth in politics, political representation and participation within the party and within government.

The party was formed with massive support from the youth in 1949. Since its formation, nearly half a century ago, the party's constituency has demographically skewed towards an older segment of the population. It is led by older politicians. The youth in Ghana, estimated to around 60%, mostly stand behind either the ruling party NDC or the largest opposition party in the country, the NPP - with both I intend to speak as well. The CPP was banned under the military regime, ‘to erase the party from national memory', James Bomfer explains. The party revived in 2000 with the same people that were part of the liberation struggle, now an older generation.

The CPP, I'm told, does not currently have a formal policy on youth nor does it use affirmative action to encourage political youth participation or representation within the party. But there is a sea-change underway. James Kwabena Bomfer Jr tells me a younger generation is slowly taking over posts within the party. There is for instance a youth organizer, who organizes trainings for potential future leaders. If there were more resources, Mr. Bomfer tells me, the CPP would extend the youth participation program. Unfortunately, that is not the case at present.
Underneath: James Kwabena Bomfer Jr. and Gideon Chitanga at CPP Headquarters, Accra