The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called for a stronger focus on the internal development and preparedness of political parties as a critical foundation for effective governance.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah made the call while participating in the inaugural Inter-Continental Dialogue among Political Parties in Seoul, Republic of Korea, where he spoke on behalf of the African Political Parties Initiative.

Addressing the dialogue, he noted that the quality of governance in any country is largely determined within political parties long before political leaders assume public office.

According to him, political parties play a critical role in determining who gets political opportunities, the standards expected of prospective leaders, and the level of preparedness of individuals who eventually take up public responsibilities.

He cautioned that political parties that concentrate primarily on winning elections without adequately preparing their members and prospective leaders to govern effectively could face serious consequences once they assume political power.

“The quality of any government is decided inside political parties long before anyone reaches office,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah stated, emphasising the need for parties to place greater priority on leadership development, institutional strengthening and governance preparedness.

He argued that political parties must therefore move beyond their traditional role of mobilising voters and securing electoral victories to developing competent leaders capable of delivering effective and accountable governance.

“Political parties are not only built to win elections but to govern effectively,” he stressed.

His remarks at the international dialogue highlight the importance of strengthening political party institutions, leadership development systems and internal standards as essential components of democratic governance.

The inaugural Inter-Continental Dialogue brings together political actors and representatives from different parts of the world to exchange ideas and perspectives on strengthening political parties, democracy and governance.