Gambiaj.com – (Accra, Ghana) – The National People’s Party (NPP) Administrative Secretary, Seedy Sheriff Ceesay, has called on African political parties to adapt to rapidly changing political realities by becoming more responsive, inclusive, and collaborative, warning that traditional approaches are no longer enough to meet citizens’ expectations.
Speaking today at the African Political Parties Summit in Accra, themed “From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa’s Development and Economic Transformation,” Ceesay said the future of political parties depends on their ability to deliver transparency, participation, accountability, and tangible results, especially for young people.
“Our citizens are no longer satisfied with business as usual. They want leaders who listen, who adapt, and who deliver,” Ceesay told the forum, which brought together senior political leaders from across the continent.
He outlined five key priorities for building modern and relevant political parties: flexibility in responding to crises, embracing technology responsibly, creating genuine leadership opportunities for young people, upholding strong values such as honesty and justice, and fostering cross-party and cross-border partnerships to address continental challenges like peace, migration, climate change, trade, and development.
Ceesay highlighted the NPP’s own reforms under President Adama Barrow, including modernizing party structures, strengthening youth and women’s engagement, and opening more channels for public participation. “We are building a political culture focused on unity, service, and national development,” he said.
Before delivering his address, Ceesay conveyed The Gambia’s condolences to Ghana over a recent helicopter tragedy that claimed the lives of several senior officials, expressing solidarity with the Ghanaian people.
He concluded by urging African parties to move beyond electoral competition and become “platforms for building a better Africa — together.”
Earlier, Hon. Mama Kandeh, Secretary General of The Gambia Democratic Congress, participated in a discussion on ‘Electoral Systems, Inclusion, and Institutional Legitimacy’, attended by senior party officials, civil society leaders, electoral commissioners, and governance experts.
The discussion examined the link between electoral system design, inclusive political participation, and the legitimacy of democratic institutions across Africa. Key participants included Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Hon. Gladys K. Hlatywayo, and Prof. Atsu Ayee.
