Former Western North Regional Minister Joojo Rocky Obeng has lauded ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his steadfast commitment to elevating young leaders within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), crediting his own political ascent to this vision.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face, Obeng highlighted Akufo-Addo’s unprecedented trust in the party’s youth wing, noting that the former president’s appointments reflected a deliberate strategy to inject fresh energy into governance. “[Former] President Akufo-Addo naturally comes out as that leader who has faith in the politically active youth of his party,” Obeng said. “He gave many of us opportunities—chief executive roles, ministerial posts. It was only logical I’d be part of his team.”
The remarks underscore a defining feature of Akufo-Addo’s tenure, which saw figures like Obeng, then in his 30s, appointed to key positions. Analysts trace this approach to the NPP’s broader push to counter perceptions of gerontocracy in Ghanaian politics, though critics argue some appointments prioritized loyalty over experience.
With the NPP now in opposition, Obeng’s comments revive debate about the party’s future leadership pipeline—and whether its next electoral strategy will again hinge on youth mobilization.
