In a passionate appeal ahead of the upcoming general elections, Hon. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, Aide to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s campaign, has called on the youth to cast their votes overwhelmingly for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking to supporters of the party, he highlighted the significant impact of NPP-led social interventions on the lives of Ghanaians, drawing a connection between past achievements and future promises.
Hon. Kokofu stressed that the youth, who have greatly benefited from the NPP’s policies, owe their support to the party that has consistently worked to improve their lives.
He cited the Free Maternal Care program initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor as a landmark policy that laid the foundation for many of the youth today.
“Under Kufuor’s administration, women received free maternity care, allowing them to give birth under safe conditions without financial burden. Many of these children are now the same youth benefiting from President Akufo-Addo’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program,” he stated.
The Free Maternal Care initiative, launched in 2003, aimed to reduce maternal mortality and ensure that no woman would have to worry about the cost of delivering her child.
This program not only contributed to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies but also made it possible for many families to raise their children with less financial strain.
Hon. Kokofu linked this to President Akufo-Addo’s flagship Free SHS policy, which has provided free education to over a million Ghanaian students, giving them access to better opportunities for the future.
“These young people who are now in the workforce, or about to enter it, are the very children who were born during Kufuor’s administration and have been educated for free under Akufo-Addo’s leadership. And now, as they prepare to move into the next phase of their lives, we have a plan for them,” Kokofu explained.
He went on to praise Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate for the presidency, as the leader who will ensure that these youths have access to the jobs they need.
Kokofu assured the audience that under a Bawumia-led government, the creation of jobs will be a top priority. “When Dr. Bawumia becomes president, his government will focus on creating enough jobs to cater for these youths. Their lives will continue to improve under his leadership, just as they have under Kufuor and Akufo-Addo,” he added.
The aide’s message was clear: the NPP has a proven track record of investing in the welfare of Ghanaians, especially the youth, through policies like free maternal care and Free SHS, and this will continue under Dr. Bawumia’s administration.
Hon. Kokofu’s appeal comes at a time when the NPP is working hard to galvanize support, particularly among the youth, who make up a significant portion of the voting population.
With a focus on continuity and job creation, the campaign is expected to make youth empowerment a central theme as the elections draw nearer.
As the election season heats up, it remains to be seen whether the NPP’s track record and promises will resonate with voters, especially the younger generation, who will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the polls.