Political Science lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, believes the New Patriotic Party has a tough task ahead to present a convincing alternative to the National Democratic Congress before the 2028 elections. He attributes this challenge to the improvements in Ghana's economy under President John Dramani Mahama. Dr Amakye-Boateng notes that President Mahama performed creditably on inflation and exchange rates.
Dr Amakye-Boateng argues that the NPP's attempts to attribute economic improvements mainly to the government's GoldBod policies do not fully answer why the party itself did not achieve similar results when in government. He links the challenge facing the NPP to the record of the party's flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who served as Vice President under the Akufo-Addo administration. According to him, Dr Bawumia could face questions about new economic proposals.
The political scientist believes that if Dr Bawumia campaigns on policies that differ from those implemented under the previous administration, voters could ask why he did not pursue those policies while in government. He notes that Dr Bawumia's integrity has been questioned because he participated in Akufo-Addo's government. This could compromise Dr Bawumia's new policy proposals.
Dr Amakye-Boateng thinks the NPP's response should begin with a change in its internal leadership and identity. A new leadership structure could allow the party to distance itself from its previous record and present a fresh political message to voters. He suggests that a change in leadership could help the NPP appeal to the masses.
Dr Amakye-Boateng backs former NPP National Chairman Awentami Paul Afoko for the National Chairmanship position, arguing that his election could help place the party on a new trajectory. The NPP is scheduled to hold its national executive elections on October 3, 2026, as it reorganizes ahead of the 2028 general election.
Afoko's potential election as NPP National Chairman could give the party a new identity, according to Dr Amakye-Boateng. This new identity could help the NPP distance itself from its previous record and present a fresh message to voters. The party's national executive elections are set to take place on October 3, 2026.
The NPP's national executive elections will see 7,163 delegates elect national officers in Kumasi. The party is reorganizing ahead of the 2028 general election, and a new leadership structure could be crucial in determining its success. Dr Amakye-Boateng's comments come as the party prepares for its national executive elections.
Key points
- NPP needs a new identity and leadership to present a convincing alternative to NDC ahead of 2028 elections.
