At the third anniversary celebration of the 18Plus4NDC initiative held at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, Shamima Muslim, Founder and former Convener of the Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA), delivered a rousing address that underscored the power of Ghana’s youth in driving political transformation and national development.

The event, hosted by Bridget Bonnie, founder of the 18Plus4NDC initiative, brought together political enthusiasts, youth advocates, and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to celebrate the collective efforts of young Ghanaians in securing an unprecedented victory for the party in the country’s recent elections.

Speaking with deep conviction, Shamima described the NDC’s recent electoral success as a historic triumph, made possible through the determination and active participation of Ghana’s youth. “It is indeed a sweet victory,” she said. “The youth of NDC did not come to play at all. Every space was contested, every avenue was taken advantage of, and the young people of Ghana proved, in no uncertain terms, that their voices matter.”

While celebrating the victory, Shamima challenged the youth to reflect on what comes next, urging them to channel the momentum into sustained action for national renewal. "We have won. What next?" she asked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and commitment beyond the election season.

Reflecting on her years of advocacy, Shamima highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping Ghana’s democratic landscape. She recounted her initial involvement with 18Plus4NDC when Bridget Bonnie invited her to moderate Twitter Spaces discussions on the role of the youth in democracy. These engagements, she noted, marked the beginning of a powerful movement that has since transitioned from ideation to execution.

“There is still a narrative that young people seem disinterested in politics, whereas politics is all around us,” she said. “Now more than ever, we have woken up to the stark reality that, whether you like it or not, politics will happen to you. So you just better be interested in who leads your country and who takes decisions that affect all of us—our today, our tomorrow, and future generations.”

Shamima stressed the need for unity among the youth, particularly within the NDC, urging them to act as constructive contributors rather than adversaries. "We, the youth of Ghana, must not see ourselves as adversaries. If there's feedback to give, let’s give it proactively. Do not quickly become agents of destruction from within."

She further appealed to NDC leaders to remain sensitive to the youth constituency that delivered the party’s mandate, warning against neglect and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. “Please open your ears and your hearts to the demands of the youth of Ghana and stretch them a helping hand. Do not become problems for this party by your actions.”

Drawing on the missteps of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Shamima urged the NDC to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and disconnection from the electorate. “One of the major problems that caused the defeat of the NPP was the conduct of its agents of government and the way they behaved. Let us learn these vital lessons.”

She also reminded the youth of their responsibility to work hard in their respective spaces, contributing to Ghana’s development rather than depending entirely on political largesse. "Our destiny lies within our hands. We must generate opportunities for ourselves, knowing that resources are currently limited."

Bridget Bonnie, the founder of 18Plus4NDC, echoed Shamima’s sentiments, calling on the youth to unite in resetting the trajectory of the nation. “This is the time for young people to step up and play a pivotal role in building a better Ghana,” she said. Bridget praised the resilience and dedication of young Ghanaians, urging them to stay the course and continue to hold leaders accountable.

Shamima concluded her speech with a rallying call for action, emphasizing the urgency of collective effort. "Let us proactively engage our leaders and mobilize for change. Together, we can build a Ghana where everyone matters and where we are all ready to shape the future we want."

Founded by Bridget Bonnie, 18Plus4NDC is a youth-led initiative that focuses on empowering young people to actively participate in Ghana’s political and democratic processes. The group has been instrumental in galvanizing youth support for the NDC, contributing significantly to its recent electoral success.

The Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA), founded by Shamima Muslim, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to amplifying the visibility and impact of women in media across Ghana and Africa. AWMA advocates for greater representation and influence of women in shaping societal narratives through media platforms.

As the evening’s event drew to a close, the message was clear: the youth of Ghana have proven their power, and the onus now lies on them to sustain the momentum, champion unity, and work collectively toward a brighter future.