Michael Osei Boateng, popularly known as Pope, has officially declared his intention to contest for the National Youth Organiser position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), promising to rebuild the party’s youth structures and help secure victory in the 2028 general election.

He said his experience in student politics and the party’s organisational structure had adequately prepared him for the role.

Addressing the media at a press conference in Accra on Monday, Mr Boateng described himself as a grassroots party activist who had served the NPP at various levels over the years.

He announced his decision on July 6, 2026, and appealed to party members, particularly the youth to support his bid.

“I am here to tell you today that victory in the 2028 elections runs through me, and the youth must be led by someone who knows the way. I know the way because I have been there,” he stated.

Mr Boateng noted that the NPP must now see itself as a “government in waiting” and begin early preparations for the next general election.

Referring to the party’s 2028 flag bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, he underlined that winning the election would require sustained engagement with Ghanaians, rather than relying solely on campaign rallies.

He explained that the party must communicate its message consistently through community engagement, issue-based discussions and strong youth mobilisation.

Furthermore, Mr Boateng indicated that young people would play a decisive role in the 2028 election and pledged to work closely with Dr Bawumia to strengthen the party’s presence, particularly on tertiary campuses.

He said his background in student leadership gave him an advantage in connecting with the youth, recalling his service as a student leader and his progression through various roles within the NPP, including youth organiser, deputy regional organiser and regional organiser.

Touching on his vision, Mr Boateng acknowledged that the party’s youth front had suffered setbacks in recent years, especially on university campuses.

He pledged to embark on a nationwide tour of tertiary institutions immediately after assuming office to rebuild student wings, strengthen local structures and support campus executives.

According to him, the initiative would help keep the party active among young voters ahead of the 2028 polls.

Mr Boateng also pledged to identify and groom young leaders for future appointments and leadership positions within the party.

Rejecting what he described as empty promises, he assured party members of his commitment to practical organisation, hard work and grassroots mobilisation.

“I am not promising you miracles. I am promising you hard work. I am promising you street business,” he declared.

He urged delegates and party members to entrust him with the responsibility of leading the NPP’s youth wing as the party prepares for the 2028 general election.