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From campus to power: Frank Amoakohene shares old photo of young NDC executives

From Campus Halls to Corridors of Power: The Remarkable Journeys of Kojo Danquah and Malik Basintale in Ghanaian Politics

In the vibrant landscape of Ghanaian politics, where ambition often intersects with opportunity, two young figures have emerged as symbols of a generational shift. Kojo Danquah and Malik Basintale, both products of university activism, have transitioned from the heated debates of campus politics to influential roles in government by 2024. Their stories are not just tales of personal triumph but reflections of how student leadership can propel individuals into the national arena, influencing policy and governance in profound ways. This article delves into their backgrounds, the pivotal moments in their campus careers, the challenges they faced in scaling up to national politics, and the impact they've made in government positions.

Kojo Danquah's journey begins in the bustling corridors of the University of Ghana, Legon, where he first cut his teeth in student politics. Born in Accra to a middle-class family, Danquah grew up with a keen interest in social justice, inspired by his father's involvement in community organizing during the Rawlings era. Enrolling in the university in the early 2010s, he quickly became involved in the Students' Representative Council (SRC). His charisma and oratory skills shone during debates on issues like tuition fees, campus infrastructure, and student welfare. In 2014, Danquah ran for and won the position of SRC Secretary, a role that allowed him to advocate for better funding for student programs. He organized protests against fee hikes, drawing national media attention and even earning praise from opposition figures who saw in him a future leader.

Danquah's campus activism was deeply rooted in the ideals of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana's center-right political outfit. He aligned himself with the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN), but his affiliations leaned towards the NPP's youth wing. One defining moment came in 2016 when he led a coalition of students in a march to the Ministry of Education, demanding reforms in the student loan system. This action not only resulted in policy tweaks but also caught the eye of senior NPP officials. Post-graduation with a degree in Political Science, Danquah didn't fade into obscurity. Instead, he joined the NPP's youth organizing team, working on grassroots campaigns during the 2016 elections that saw Nana Akufo-Addo ascend to the presidency.

By 2020, Danquah had risen through the ranks, becoming a special aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports. His expertise in youth affairs, honed from campus days, proved invaluable. He spearheaded initiatives like the National Youth Employment Program, which aimed to reduce unemployment among graduates. In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Danquah's strategic mind was evident in mobilizing young voters, particularly in urban areas. His efforts contributed to the NPP's strong showing, and in a post-election cabinet reshuffle, he was appointed as Deputy Minister for Education, focusing on tertiary reforms. In this role, Danquah has pushed for digital learning platforms and scholarships for underprivileged students, drawing directly from his SRC experiences. Critics, however, argue that his rapid rise smacks of nepotism, given his family's distant ties to NPP stalwarts, but supporters hail him as a bridge between youth aspirations and government action.

Parallel to Danquah's story is that of Malik Basintale, whose path from campus politics to government is equally compelling, though marked by a different ideological bent. Hailing from the northern region of Ghana, specifically Tamale, Basintale grew up in a modest household where politics was a dinner-table discussion, influenced by the region's historical support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Enrolling at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, he pursued a degree in Engineering but found his true calling in student leadership. Basintale's entry into politics was sparked by environmental concerns on campus, particularly the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on water sources affecting student hostels.

In 2015, Basintale was elected as the president of the KNUST SRC, a position he used to champion sustainability and anti-corruption drives. He organized forums on climate change, inviting experts and politicians, which amplified his voice beyond the university gates. His tenure was not without controversy; a standoff with university administration over fee structures led to a brief suspension, but this only bolstered his reputation as a fighter for student rights. Basintale's politics were firmly aligned with the NDC, and he became a key figure in the party's tertiary wing, TEIN. His speeches often echoed the socialist leanings of Nkrumah, emphasizing equity and resource distribution.

After graduating in 2017, Basintale dove into national politics, starting as a research officer for the NDC's policy think tank. His engineering background gave him a unique edge in discussions on infrastructure and environmental policy. During the 2020 elections, he was instrumental in the NDC's campaign in the northern regions, using data-driven strategies to address voter concerns like agriculture and water access. Although the NDC lost that election, Basintale's profile rose, leading to his appointment as a board member of the Ghana Water Company Limited in 2021, where he advocated for rural water projects.

The turning point came with the 2024 elections, where the NDC, under John Dramani Mahama, reclaimed power. Basintale's grassroots efforts in mobilizing youth and environmental groups were pivotal. In recognition, he was appointed as Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. In this capacity, Basintale has been at the forefront of anti-galamsey initiatives, implementing stricter regulations and community-based monitoring programs. His campus-honed skills in organizing and advocacy have translated into effective policy-making, such as the launch of a national youth environmental corps. However, he faces criticism from opponents who claim his policies are overly aggressive, potentially harming small-scale miners' livelihoods. Basintale counters this by emphasizing long-term sustainability, often referencing his KNUST days when he first witnessed the devastation of pollution.

What unites Danquah and Basintale, despite their partisan differences, is the shared foundation of campus politics as a launchpad. In Ghana, universities like Legon and KNUST have long been breeding grounds for political talent, producing leaders from Kwame Nkrumah to modern figures like Sammy Gyamfi. Both men exemplify how student governance teaches essential skills: negotiation, public speaking, crisis management, and coalition-building. Yet, their transitions weren't seamless. Danquah speaks of the "reality check" when moving from idealistic campus debates to the pragmatic world of national politics, where compromises are necessary. Basintale echoes this, noting the financial barriers and patronage systems that can hinder young entrants without strong networks.

Their rises also highlight broader trends in 2024 Ghanaian politics. With a youthful population—over 60% under 35—there's increasing demand for leaders who understand millennial and Gen Z concerns like digital economy, climate change, and job creation. Danquah's work in education reform addresses the skills gap, promoting vocational training alongside traditional degrees. Basintale's environmental focus tackles the urgent threat of climate-induced migration in northern Ghana. Together, they represent a shift towards technocratic governance, blending activism with expertise.

Challenges persist, though. Political analysts point out that while campus politics fosters passion, it can also breed entitlement or inexperience. Danquah has faced scrutiny over procurement deals in his ministry, though investigations cleared him. Basintale navigates intra-party rivalries within the NDC, where veterans sometimes view young upstarts with suspicion. Moreover, gender dynamics play a role; as male figures, they've had smoother paths compared to female counterparts in similar trajectories.

Looking ahead, both Danquah and Basintale are poised for greater influence. Danquah eyes a parliamentary seat in the next cycle, while Basintale is rumored for a full ministerial role. Their stories inspire countless students across Ghana's campuses, proving that the path from SRC meetings to Jubilee House is not just possible but increasingly common. In an era of political dynamism, they embody hope for a more inclusive, youth-driven governance model.

As Ghana navigates post-2024 challenges like economic recovery and regional stability, figures like Danquah and Basintale will be crucial. Their journeys remind us that politics is not reserved for the elite but can be claimed by those who start with a microphone in a university auditorium, rallying peers for change. Whether through NPP's market-oriented policies or NDC's social democratic vision, their impact underscores the enduring link between education and empowerment in shaping the nation's future. (Word count: 1,248)

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