Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) Third Vice Chairman, Nana Akomea, has denied allegations that he and Second Vice Chairman, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), attempted to persuade First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Boadu (Kojo Bamba), to give up his position. Akomea described the claims as "total falsehood" and stated that there was no basis for such an arrangement. He made these comments on Joy News, following speculation that an informal post-election deal had been made.
The controversy arose after Akomea and Nana B were absent during the swearing-in of newly elected national executives at the NPP's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi. Akomea explained that he had left the Baba Yara Sports Stadium at 11:30 p.m. and was stuck in traffic, arriving after the introductions had been completed. He argued that he couldn't have negotiated with Kojo Bamba over the election outcome because he wasn't present during the vote counting and tabulation.
Kojo Bamba won the vice-chairmanship election with 3,116 votes, followed by Nana B with 3,061 votes and Akomea with 2,987 votes. Former Information Minister, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, narrowly missed the top three with 2,956 votes. The election system used had all 13 aspirants contesting the three positions collectively, with the top three candidates being ranked first, second, and third based on the number of votes received.
Akomea suggested that Kojo Bamba's campaign strategy contributed to his success. Bamba presented himself as an additional choice to delegates, telling them that his name was often mentioned during the campaign, and encouraging them to remember him as an additional candidate in their voting. This strategy allowed Bamba's name to feature repeatedly in different combinations of candidates chosen by delegates.
Nana B also addressed the speculation surrounding his absence from the post-election swearing-in. He explained that he had left the stadium briefly to freshen up, unaware that the Electoral Commission would complete the declaration and swearing-in process so quickly. By the time he returned, the ceremony had ended. Both vice chairmen have sought to dispel speculation that their absence was connected to dissatisfaction with the election results or a failed arrangement involving Kojo Bamba.
The NPP has begun a new four-year leadership cycle under National Chairman John Boadu and General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua. The party is expected to focus on internal reorganisation and preparations for the 2028 general elections. Akomea has indicated that the issue of his outstanding oath is expected to be resolved at the first meeting of the newly elected national executives.
Akomea expressed confidence that he would get himself sworn in, stating, "I am sure I will get myself sworn in." The development comes as the NPP seeks to move forward with its new leadership and internal reorganisation.
Key points
- Nana Akomea denies negotiating with Kojo Bamba over the NPP vice-chairmanship position.
- Kojo Bamba's campaign strategy contributed to his success in the vice-chairmanship election.
- The NPP begins a new four-year leadership cycle under National Chairman John Boadu and General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua.
