Aspiring National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gordon Asare-Bediako, has called for the transformation of the Tertiary Students’ Confederacy (TESCON) into a “school of ideas, discipline and public service” to help rebuild the party and prepare a new generation of leaders.
Speaking at the University of Education, Winneba, during a lecture on the theme, “Reviving Our Generational Pillar for a Stronger Comeback,” Mr. Asare-Bediako said the future of the NPP depends on how effectively it mentors and equips young members for leadership.
Addressing students and party officials, he described the party’s generational pillar as the chain of values, sacrifice, loyalty, knowledge, courage and service that connects the party’s founding generation to current and future leaders.
He noted that the pillar includes grassroots organisers, polling station executives, constituency officers, youth groups, TESCON members, communicators and professionals who have sustained the party over the years.
Reflecting on the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election, Mr. Asare-Bediako urged party members to treat the setback as an opportunity for renewal rather than despair.
“Every serious political tradition must have the humility to learn from defeat without being imprisoned by it. Defeat must not become a cemetery of hope; it must become a classroom for renewal,” he said.
He stressed the need for stronger political education within TESCON, arguing that young members must understand the philosophical foundations of the NPP, including its commitment to freedom, enterprise, democracy, development and accountable governance.
“A party that does not educate its young people will one day struggle to explain itself to the nation,” he stated.
On political communication, Mr. Asare-Bediako said effective communication had become central to building public trust and maintaining relevance in modern politics.
“It is not enough to have a message. The message must be clear, credible, timely and rooted in the lived experiences of the people,” he said, urging party communicators to rely on facts and humility rather than insults.
He also called on the party to create more opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to its activities and leadership structures.
“The young people of this tradition must not feel like spectators in their own party. They must be mentored, trusted, empowered and given meaningful space to serve,” he said.
Touching on party unity, Mr. Asare-Bediako warned that internal divisions could undermine efforts to return the NPP to power.
“Competition is natural in democracy, but after competition must come consolidation. The party must remain bigger than individual ambition and temporary disagreements,” he noted.
He encouraged young party communicators to remain steadfast despite challenges, insisting that the NPP remains committed to supporting them.
“We may have lost an election, but we have not lost our values. Once we revive our generational pillar, we will not lose the future. The comeback begins with us. The Elephant shall rise again,” he declared.
The event was attended by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who served as guest speaker. Other participants included Alhaji Osman Masawudu, NPP First Vice Chairman, Kwame Prempeh, a National Organiser hopeful, party elders and university lecturers.
