Newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) Third National Vice Chairman Nana Akomea has shed light on Kojo Bamba's emergence as First National Vice Chairman. According to Nana Akomea, Bamba's security-focused message and the voting system used at the party's national conference contributed to his victory. Bamba secured 3,116 votes, topping the contest involving 13 candidates for the three vice chairmanship positions. Nana Akomea made these comments on Joy News' PM Express programme on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Nana Akomea revealed that while several candidates relied on their experience, long-standing service, and positions within the NPP, Kojo Bamba adopted a different campaign strategy. Bamba presented himself as someone who could provide security for party members, encouraging delegates to select two established candidates and then “add” him to their choices. This approach resonated with delegates, who developed a slogan around it and sang it whenever Bamba visited them during the campaign.
The voting arrangement at the conference also played a role in Bamba's favour. Delegates were required to select three candidates in the contest rather than voting separately for the First, Second, and Third National Vice Chairmanship positions. This system meant that a candidate who became a regular choice among delegates could benefit significantly from the voting pattern. Nana Akomea described Bamba as “the only constant in all the conversations” with delegates.
Nana Akomea linked the reception of Bamba's message to security concerns among some NPP supporters and grassroots members. He alleged that some NPP officials and supporters had been subjected to attacks by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during a by-election and following the December 2024 general election. Some forms of harassment were still occurring, according to Nana Akomea, who said, “The party feels under siege.”
Bamba's promise to help make party members feel safer connected with concerns within the grassroots. His message stood out as different from the other candidates, who focused on their experience and party service. Nana Akomea described Bamba's message as “clever” and noted that it appeared to resonate with delegates. Kojo Bamba's official name is Kojo Fosu Boadu.
The NPP's national delegates' conference took place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, where Kojo Bamba secured the top spot. Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, followed with 3,061 votes, while Nana Akomea placed third with 2,981 votes. Nana Akomea cautioned against interpreting the outcome as a direct indication of who would lead the NPP into the 2028 general election.
Nana Akomea stressed that leadership of the NPP was a collective responsibility. Despite Bamba's election, he advised against assuming that the 2028 election is about Kojo Bamba. The party's leadership is expected to work together to achieve their goals. KEY_POINT: Kojo Bamba's security-focused message contributed to his victory as NPP First Vice Chairman. KEY_POINT: The voting system used at the NPP conference played a role in Bamba's favour. KEY_POINT: Security concerns among NPP supporters and grassroots members helped Bamba's message resonate with delegates.
