Omanghana
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has been elected the inaugural Chair of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI) for a three-year term.
His selection was confirmed at the African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah was nominated by an interim committee and received unanimous approval from participating political parties as the initiative constituted its first leadership.
APPI, which operates under the Africa Governance Centre, brings together political parties and governance practitioners to promote cooperation, strengthen political institutions and support democratic governance across the continent.
A call for long-term governance
In his acceptance address, Mr Asiedu Nketiah thanked the participating parties for their confidence and pledged to work with his colleagues to advance the initiative’s objectives.
He urged African political parties to prepare for the responsibilities of government by investing in policy expertise, leadership development and strong institutions.
“Political experience teaches us that power changes hands more quickly than nations change,” he said.
The NDC Chairman said parties in government and opposition share an interest in building capable institutions, as those in power today may find themselves in opposition after a future election.
He also cautioned against abandoning useful policies and national investments whenever governments change, saying development often requires sustained work beyond a single political term.
Focus on Agenda 2040
Mr Asiedu Nketiah identified the proposed APPI Agenda 2040 as a priority for the initiative. The agenda is expected to be developed through consultations with political parties across Africa and provide a framework for strengthening leadership and institutional capacity.
He called for greater investment in party schools, policy institutes and research institutions, as well as systems that preserve knowledge and experience beyond the tenure of individual leaders.
He also urged parties to give women and young people greater opportunities to participate in policy development and decision-making.
Cooperation across Africa
The new APPI Chair said the initiative’s leadership would work with participating parties, regional representatives, the Africa Governance Centre and its secretariat to advance its goals.
He said stronger political institutions would help African countries respond to long-term challenges, including youth employment, industrial development, access to energy and technological change.
The summit also endorsed the initiative’s inaugural bureau leadership, which includes regional representatives from political parties across the continent.
Source: Omanghana
