NUGS must remain the conscience of Ghana – Anatu Seidu Bogobiri Esq

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq. has challenged National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) to preserve its historic role as the conscience of Ghana by speaking truth to power and holding political leaders accountable.

According to her, students have the responsibility to remain active participants in national affairs regardless of which political party was in government.

Speaking at the 59th NUGS conference on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, on the theme “The Role of Students in Shaping National Politics,” she reminded students of the historical role young people have played in Ghana’s political development.

“NUGS must be the conscience of the nation,” she declared.

According to Ms Bogobiri, students had historically served as an important voice in Ghana, challenging authorities under both constitutional and military governments whenever they believed the interests of the country were at stake.

She said the current generation of students had inherited that responsibility and must not allow political affiliations to weaken their commitment to national development.

“Your role is to speak truth to power without fear, without insults, but with respect, facts and conviction,” she told the students.

Ms Bogobiri urged NUGS to scrutinise government policies, challenge decisions it considered harmful and acknowledge policies that served the public interest.

She stressed that such scrutiny should not be influenced by partisan considerations.

“Challenge bad policy. Applaud good policy. Whether it comes from NDC, NPP, or any other party remember, country first, party second,” she said.

She argued that the role of students in national politics should go beyond demonstrations and partisan activism, insisting that young people must develop the courage and responsibility to engage political leaders constructively.

Ms Bogobiri also cautioned students against becoming cynical about politics or using the failures of politicians as an excuse for refusing to participate in national affairs.
Instead, she encouraged them to criticise the government constructively while preparing themselves to become the next generation of leaders.

She said the Ghana of the future would ultimately be shaped by today’s students, who would occupy positions as legislators, professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants and leaders of civil society organisations.

Ms Bogobiri therefore urged NUGS to protect its independence and use its voice responsibly in defending the national interest.

She said students must love Ghana enough to criticise its shortcomings, contribute to fixing them and, ultimately, offer themselves for service.

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create and prepare,” she said.

She called on NUGS to ensure that its influence remained centred on truth, accountability and patriotism, regardless of the political party in power.