Comrade Steven Nhyira Odarteifio has accepted the decision of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) vetting committee not to clear him to contest the party’s National Youth Organizer position, announcing that he will neither appeal nor protest the outcome.
In a statement addressing his supporters and the general public, Mr Odarteifio said although he was deeply disappointed by the decision, he had resolved to respect the party’s internal processes and move forward.
“The vetting process for the position of National Youth Organizer of the NDC has concluded, and as many of you are already aware, I was unfortunately not cleared to proceed with my candidature,” he stated.
He added: “While deeply disappointed and after a period of deep introspection, I have decided to accept the outcome without protest or an appeal.”
The aspiring youth leader expressed gratitude to the party for giving him the opportunity to present his vision for the NDC Youth Wing and young people across the country, despite the unsuccessful outcome.
“I had hoped for a different outcome. I take the lessons of this experience humbly and seriously, and I remain committed to learning and working within the processes of our party,” he said.
Mr Odarteifio, however, stressed that his disqualification would not affect his commitment to youth development, empowerment and agricultural transformation, which he described as his life’s work.
“Youth development and empowerment remain my life’s work. I will keep pushing to advance agricultural transformation causes and support our beloved party to deliver its promises to the teeming youth of our land,” he declared.
He further assured the party of his continued availability to serve in any capacity where his talents and experience would be useful.
“Wherever my talents and experience may be of service to the party, I will always be available to contribute,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Odarteifio has declared his neutrality in the ongoing contest, wishing the two remaining candidates in the race the best of luck as they seek to become the next National Youth Organizer.
“To my two brothers who remain in the race for National Youth Organizer Office, I wish you both the very best,” he stated.
He emphasised that he would support whoever emerges victorious, expressing hope that the contest would not create divisions within the party’s youth front.
“I have decided to remain neutral in this contest, and I stand ready to support whoever wins,” he said.
Mr Odarteifio further called for unity and cooperation among the various aspirants, urging them to work together after the elections to strengthen the party’s youth structures.
“My hope is that after the elections, we will sit at the same table and work together to build a strong, vibrant and energetic youth front for our dear party,” he added.
He also extended his appreciation to the sponsors, endorsers, seconders, prayer captains, volunteers, well-wishers and supporters who contributed to his campaign, acknowledging their financial, material and moral support.
“Thank you. I will always be grateful for the way you showed up for me,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Mr Odarteifio invoked the words of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as he urged himself and his supporters to remain focused on the future.
“In the words of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, ‘we face neither east nor west, we face forward’,” he stated.
He ended by expressing hope for the continued progress of the party and Ghana, saying: “God continue to make our nation great and strong.”
Below is the Full Statement:
Statement from Steven Nhyira Odarteifio
Hello Everyone,
The vetting process for the position of National Youth Organizer of the NDC has concluded, and as many of you are already aware, I was unfortunately not cleared to proceed with my candidature.
While deeply disappointed and after a period of deep introspection, I have decided to accept the outcome without protest or an appeal. I am grateful to the Party for the platform to share my vision to the Youth Wing of our Party and the Youth of Ghana.
I had hoped for a different outcome. I take the lessons of this experience humbly and seriously, and I remain committed to learning and working within the processes of our party.
Youth development and empowerment remain my life’s work. I will keep pushing to advance agricultural transformation causes and support our beloved party to deliver its promises to the teeming youth of our land. Wherever my talents and experience may be of service to the party, I will always be available to contribute.
To my two brothers who remain in the race for National Youth Organizer Office, I wish you both the very best.
I have decided to remain neutral in this contest, and I stand ready to support whoever wins. My hope is that after the elections, we will sit at the same table and work together to build a strong, vibrant and energetic youth front for our dear party. I also wish every aspirant in the upcoming elections the very best.
Finally, to our sponsors, endorsers, seconders, prayer captains, volunteers, well-wishers and everyone who gave their time, resources and encouragement to this effort, thank you.
I will always be grateful for the way you showed up for me. In the words of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, “we face neither east nor west, we face forward”.
Thank you, and God continue to make our nation great and strong.
