Johnson Samlafo korbla, popularly known as JSK, has officially declared his intention to seek re-election as Deputy Volta Regional Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging the party’s youth and Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) comrades across the Region to renew their confidence in his leadership for another term.
In a declaration that combines gratitude for his first term with a renewed commitment to the party’s youth wing, Samlafo korbla said his decision to contest again was driven by the desire to build on the experience he has acquired and do more for the youth of the region
Reflecting on his tenure, he described the past term as a period of sacrifice, learning, service and responsibility, during which he had the opportunity to listen to the concerns of young people, stand with them and participate in the party’s victories as well as its difficult moments.
According to JSK, his approach to leadership has never been centred on the prestige attached to political office but rather on service to the people. He presented himself to delegates as a humble, respectful, honest, accessible and peaceful leader who believes that political leadership must ultimately be measured by its impact on the people it serves. “I come before you not as a perfect leader, but as a humble, respectful, honest, accessible, and peaceful servant who believes that leadership is not about position. It is about people, sacrifice and service,” he stated.
The Deputy Regional Youth Organizer also placed significant emphasis on the role of the TEIN in the NDC’s youth mobilisation efforts. He acknowledged the importance of students and young people within tertiary institutions to the party’s political organisation, saying their aspirations, challenges and determination to contribute to the country’s development must remain central to the work of the youth wing.
JSK believes the experience gained during his first term gives him a stronger foundation to serve the youth if given another opportunity. He argued that while his first mandate provided the opportunity to learn and understand the responsibilities associated with the office, a renewed mandate would allow him to translate that experience into greater service and stronger results for the party.
“One term has given me the experience. A renewed mandate will give me the opportunity to do more,” he said, as he appealed to delegates to support his bid and give him the opportunity to continue serving.
His re-election campaign is also anchored on strengthening unity within the NDC youth wing. JSK has pledged to work towards consolidating the achievements of his first term while identifying and correcting areas that require improvement. His vision, he said, is to contribute to the development of a youth wing that is united, peaceful, vibrant, disciplined and adequately prepared to contribute to the electoral fortunes of the NDC.
The candidate further sought to draw a distinction between seeking political office for personal recognition and seeking a mandate to serve. According to him, his ambition is not driven by the title attached to the position but by the opportunity to continue working for the collective interest of the party’s youth.
“I seek your mandate not for the title, but for the work. Not for personal glory, but for collective progress. Not to divide, but to unite,” he declared.
He also promised to maintain an inclusive leadership approach, stressing that his vision is not to lead the youth from a distance but to work alongside them in addressing their concerns and advancing their collective interests. For JSK, the strength of the NDC youth wing depends on the ability of its leaders to remain connected to the grassroots and create a sense of belonging among young members of the party.
His declaration comes as political activity gathers momentum within the NDC ahead of the party’s internal elections, with various aspirants positioning themselves for leadership roles at different levels. JSK is seeking to make continuity a central argument for his re-election, relying on the experience he says he has acquired during his first term and his commitment to strengthening the youth structures of the party across the Volta Region.
As he begins his campaign for a second mandate, JSK is calling for unity among the party’s youth and a collective commitment to building what he describes as a stronger and more effective Youth Wing.
He ended his declaration with a rallying message to the NDC youth, encapsulating his campaign around continuity, unity and renewed service: “One more mandate. One stronger Youth Wing. One united Volta. One unstoppable NDC!”
The campaign is being advanced under the hashtag #RetainJSK4DVRYO, with JSK asking delegates to entrust him with another term to continue the work he began during his first tenure.