The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in charge of operations, Mustapha Gbande, expressed concerns over the NPP's decision to elect Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba, as First Vice Chairman. Gbande argued that Bamba's past association with the Delta Force, a pro-NPP vigilante group, and his leadership role in it, project a mindset of violence that Ghana has moved beyond. He made these comments on JoyNews' AM show on October 5, 2026.
According to Gbande, electing a former leader of a pro-NPP vigilante group to a senior party position sends a wrong message. He emphasized that Ghana's electoral system has developed to the point where political parties that lose public support have to accept defeat. Gbande rejected suggestions that the NPP's new leadership could rely on violence or other means to influence future elections, stating that "Ghana has moved beyond rigging of elections."
Gbande also alleged that the NPP had previously planned to deploy military personnel to support its electoral efforts, a claim he said his party prevented. However, he did not provide further details during the interview. Despite acknowledging Bamba's grassroots political experience, Gbande questioned the message conveyed by his election. He noted that Bamba's background does not by itself disqualify him from holding political office.
Kojo Bamba was elected NPP First Vice Chairman at the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, securing 3,116 votes. He previously rose to prominence as a leader of the Delta Force, which was involved in a 2017 confrontation over the appointment of George Adjei as Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator. Bamba later moved into the NPP's formal structures and was appointed Deputy National Director of Operations of the party's youth wing in 2018.
Gbande's comments come as the NDC and NPP prepare for the 2028 general elections. He acknowledged that political parties require different skills and personalities during election campaigns. Gbande noted that this reflects the broader mix of people political parties seek to assemble for electoral contests. He added that his party will study the NPP's congress closely for strategic lessons.
The NDC's criticism of Bamba's election is part of a broader exchange between the two parties. The NPP has congratulated its new executives, while the NDC has urged national interest above party interests. As Ghana prepares for the 2028 general elections, the two parties are expected to engage in intense campaigns, with the NPP seeking to build on its recent successes and the NDC seeking to regain power.
Key points
- The NDC has criticized the NPP's election of Kojo Bamba as First Vice Chairman, describing it as "backward politics" that promotes a mindset of violence.
- Kojo Bamba was elected NPP First Vice Chairman at the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, securing 3,116 votes.
- The NDC and NPP are preparing for the 2028 general elections, with both parties seeking to assemble a mix of skills and personalities for their electoral contests.
