Upper West Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Basiera Saankara, has declared his intention to contest the position of National Youth Organiser in the party’s upcoming national elections.
Mr Saankara, who has more than two decades of experience in the NDC, said his decision to seek the position was informed by his long-standing commitment to the party, grassroots mobilisation and youth development.
Making his declaration, he said his political journey had taken him from the Wa West Constituency to the regional level, where he has served in various youth leadership positions.
“I have dedicated my entire youthful life to the service of the National Democratic Congress. My journey has been defined by loyalty, commitment, and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.
Mr Saankara has served as the Upper West Regional Youth Organiser since 2022, having previously served as Deputy Regional Organiser from 2018 to 2022.
At the constituency level, he served as Wa West Constituency Youth Organiser for two terms between 2009 and 2018, after serving as Deputy Constituency Organiser from 2006 to 2009.
Beyond his party responsibilities, Mr Saankara has held several positions in public administration and local governance.
He has served as Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in the Upper West Region since 2025. He previously served as District Chief Executive for Wa West from 2016 to 2017.
His governance experience also includes two terms as an Assembly Member of the Wa West District Assembly from 2010 to 2018 and three terms as Presiding Member of the Assembly between 2011 and 2016.
He also served as a member of the National Executive Committee of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) from 2016 to 2018.
Mr Saankara holds an MA in Administration in Higher Education from the University of Cape Coast, which he obtained in 2019. He also holds a BA in Development Education from the University for Development Studies and a Bachelor of Education in Basic Education from the University of Education, Winneba.
He further holds a Diploma in Basic Education from the University of Education, Winneba and a Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’ from the N.J.A. Teachers Training College in Wa.
In his declaration speech, Mr Saankara said his experience in both political organisation and governance had prepared him to take on the national youth leadership role.
He described his record as one of service, organisation, grassroots leadership and commitment to the NDC, arguing that leadership should be measured by tangible records rather than promises.
“Leadership is not about tenuous promises; it is about solid records. My record is one of service, of organising, of grassroots leadership, and of unwavering commitment to the NDC,” he said.
Mr Saankara acknowledged the work of the current NDC National Youth Leadership led by George Opare Addo, Osman Ayariga and Ruth Seddor, and pledged to build on their achievements while addressing what he described as gaps within the youth wing.
He also expressed appreciation to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, regional party executives, Members of Parliament, chiefs, religious leaders and the media for their support throughout his political career.
According to him, his vision is to build a youth wing that is “united, inclusive, and firmly rooted in the grassroots.”
He appealed to constituency youth leaders, TEIN members, regional executives, youth organiser aspirants and delegates across the country to support his bid.
Mr Saankara said he would prioritise making the NDC youth wing more attractive and resourceful while strengthening its capacity to mobilise young people for the party.
“I come with confidence but not arrogance. I come with courage but not boastfulness. I come with experience but also in humility,” he said.
He concluded his declaration by expressing confidence in his ability to lead the youth wing and contribute to the NDC’s future electoral success.
“I am Basiera Saankara. I have served. I am ready to serve again,” he said.