The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in charge of Finance and Investment, Ms Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has challenged student leaders across the country to actively participate in Ghana’s political and governance processes with patriotism, integrity and the national interest at heart.
She urged student leaders to reject political apathy and take a more active role in shaping national policies and decisions that directly affect their education, employment, healthcare and future.
Ms Bogobiri made the call on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when she engaged the leadership and members of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Accra on the theme, “The Role of Students in Shaping National Politics.”
The engagement brought together national, regional and campus student executives, student association leaders and media representatives.
Speaking to the gathering, Ms Bogobiri challenged the conventional perception that politics should be left to professional politicians, arguing that students have a critical stake in national governance and must therefore become active participants in the political process.
“Politics is not a dirty game. Politics is the game of who gets what, when, and how. The ‘who’ herein is NUGS! And the ‘what’ are the decisions about your school fees, your jobs, your health, and your future that will be made for you. Will students shape politics, or will politics shape students?” she asked.
She described her approach as a “soft radical” position. However, dialogue and intellectual engagement remained important, young people must also be prepared to take action rather than wait for permission or an invitation to participate.
“For too long, we have been told: ‘Finish school first. Politics later.’ But later is now!” she said.
According to her, decisions taken in Parliament and policies contained in national budgets have direct implications for students and young graduates.
“The policies being passed in Parliament today will determine the Ghana you will inherit tomorrow or the Ghana that you want. The budget voted on this year will decide if there are jobs for you when you graduate,” she added.
Ms Bogobiri also highlighted recent reforms in the health sector, explaining how national policy decisions could directly influence the welfare of students and the wider population.
She pointed to the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and described the country’s healthcare framework as evolving into a three-tier system comprising free primary healthcare focused on prevention, an enhanced National Health Insurance Scheme for broad hospital access, and the Mahama Cares initiative, funded through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, to support treatment for chronic conditions such as cancer and kidney disease.
She said student leaders could only influence national politics effectively if they remained informed, followed parliamentary proceedings and developed a strong culture of intellectual debate instead of allowing social media trends to dictate their views.
“Patriotism is not just waving the Ghana flag on 6th March or singing the national anthem. Patriotism is monitoring national discourse, knowing what your MP voted for, and asking, ‘How does this policy help the ordinary Ghanaian student?’ Do not let social media think for you!” she cautioned.
The NHIA Deputy CEO further reminded NUGS of the historic role student movements have played in Ghana’s constitutional and political development.
She encouraged student leaders to remain objective, defend principles and prepare themselves to serve in governance at the local, regional and national levels.
“Your role is to speak truth to power — without fear, without insults, but with respect, facts, and conviction. Challenge bad policy. Applaud good policy. Whether it comes from NDC, NPP, or any other party… Remember, country first, party second! Do not just protest from outside. Prepare to govern from inside,” she said.
Ms Bogobiri also made a strong appeal to young women within the student movement to pursue substantive leadership positions rather than limiting themselves to supporting roles.
“Do not shy away from leadership, especially core leadership. Do not wait for positions to be handed to you because you are a woman — earn them because you are qualified, capable, and competent. Step off the touchline and onto the pitch. Ghana needs you not as cheerleaders on the margins, but as captains at the centre,” she stated.
She urged members of NUGS to approach national service with discipline, competence and constructive ideas, stressing that young people must begin preparing themselves for the responsibilities of governance.
Ms Bogobiri also assured young leaders that public institutions, including the NHIA, remained open to competent and committed young people willing to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
Source: Felix Nyaaba / expressnewsghana.com
