Businessman, philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of the OMJ Foundation, Osei Mensah Joseph, has declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the Akuapem South Constituency of the Eastern Region.
Popularly known as OMJ, he says his decision follows extensive consultations, prayer and calls from constituents who believe he should offer himself for leadership.
In his declaration of intent, he said his ambition is anchored in the conviction that leadership must translate into service and deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“My decision is driven by a deep conviction that leadership must translate into service and that service must deliver meaningful and measurable improvements in people’s lives,” he stated.
He believes Akuapem South needs leadership that listens to the concerns of residents, promotes unity, creates opportunities and delivers results.
“I envision a constituency where every community matters, every voice is valued, opportunities are accessible, and no one is left behind,” he said.
Mr Joseph added that his decision to enter the contest goes beyond personal political ambition, describing it as an opportunity to contribute to the development of the constituency, strengthen the NPP and empower communities.
“For me, this is bigger than just a political ambition; it is a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to a stronger party, empowered communities, and a more prosperous Akuapem South,” he declared.
Leadership and professional background
OMJ is a former President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where he served during the 2018/2019 academic year.
He graduated from the institution with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration.
His leadership experience at GIMPA included serving as Public Relations Officer of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) in 2017 and as the first Speaker of the General Assembly of the Public Administration Students Association (PASA) in the same year.
Earlier, during the 2016/2017 academic year, he served as Chairman of the SRC Welfare Committee, where he spearheaded student-centred projects and programmes aimed at improving campus life.
He later acquired a Master’s Degree in Public Administration also from GIMPA.
His contributions earned him the award of Most Outstanding Executive Committee Member under the 2016/2017 SRC administration.
He currently works with Mutivet Ghana Limited, where he serves as Administrative Secretary. He is also an entrepreneur and political activist.
Philanthropy and community development
Beyond his professional and political interests, Mr Joseph is the founder and CEO of the OMJ Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in 2022 to promote social welfare, youth development and community empowerment.
The foundation was inspired by his personal experiences growing up in Konkonuru-Aburi in the Akuapem South Municipality, where he says he experienced severe poverty and firsthand the challenges confronting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to the foundation, those experiences motivated him to establish an organisation that would help create opportunities for young people that were not readily available to him while growing up.
Since its establishment, the foundation says more than 4,000 people have directly benefited from its interventions across communities, schools and partner organisations.
Its flagship programmes include the YES Initiative, The Widows’ Mite, OMJ Soccerfest, the Menstrual Hygiene Drive, High-Level Advocacy and Educational Support.
The initiatives focus on supporting vulnerable groups, promoting education, improving menstrual hygiene, empowering women and creating opportunities for young people.
The foundation has set a target of reaching 20,000 beneficiaries by 2035, with priority attention to young people in the Akuapem South Municipality while extending its interventions to other parts of Ghana and beyond.
It has also called on individuals, associations and organisations to support its work through volunteering, donations and partnerships.
Seeking NPP delegates’ endorsement
With his declaration, Mr Joseph joins the contest for the NPP parliamentary ticket in Akuapem South, seeking the confidence and endorsement of party delegates.
He says his aspiration is to build on his experience in student leadership, administration, business and philanthropy to contribute to the political and socio-economic development of the constituency.
His campaign is being presented under the themes of leadership, empowerment and impact, with a stated commitment to strengthening the party and creating opportunities for communities.
“I step forward with humility, experience, and an unwavering commitment to serve,” he said.
He concluded his declaration by expressing his readiness to take up the responsibility, saying, “I humbly submit!”