Abuakwa North Deputy Youth Organizer Delivers New Year Gifts to All 96 Branch Youth Leaders

Addrah Eli Kwaku, popularly known as “Ballistic,” the Deputy Youth Organizer for the Abuakwa North Constituency, spent the first week of January travelling to the constituency’s 96 youth‑branch offices. At each stop he presented the branch leaders with a “New Year gift” – a 5‑kilogram bag of Sultana rice – and used the occasion to outline the achievements of the John Mahama Development Mission (JDM) over its first year, particularly those spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment.

“This is just a gift from me to you, just for you to enjoy,” Ballistic told the assembled youth leaders as he handed over the rice bags. “It is a token of appreciation for the hard work you put in for our constituency.”

In each of the 96 branches, Ballistic met with the local Youth Organizers, who are the grassroots representatives of the constituency’s youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The visits were reportedly marked by brief speeches, photo sessions and the distribution of the rice packages.

“Receiving the rice feels good. It shows that our leaders are still thinking about us at the grassroots level,” said Kwabena Mensah, one of the Youth Organizers . “We hope this goodwill continues throughout the year.”

During the visits, Ballistic also provided an update on the progress of the John Mahama Development Mission (JDM), a four‑year development agenda launched by President John  Mahama’s administration. He emphasized the impact of three flagship programmes under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment:

Youth Employment Agency (YEA) – a public‑private partnership aimed at creating 50,000 apprenticeships in the manufacturing and technology sectors within the first twelve months.

National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) – a government‑funded scheme that provides stipends to young people undergoing vocational training, with an allocated budget of GH₵ 200 million for the first fiscal year.

Adwumara Initiative – a community‑driven entrepreneurship fund that supports micro‑enterprises in rural areas, with a target of financing 2,000 start‑ups by the end of the current four‑year term.

“By the end of the four‑year period of the JDM, every one of you will receive your share of the benefits that our administration has promised,” he said, referring to what he called “your share” – a likely reference to upcoming allocations from the youth‑focused programmes.

The Abuakwa North constituency, located in the Eastern Region, has long been a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, the NDC’s youth wing, buoyed by the presence of national figures such as President John Dramani Mahama, has been active in mobilising young voters in 2024 general elections. Analysts note that the distribution of tangible gifts, coupled with the emphasis on development programmes, is a strategic move to solidify grassroots support.