The New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ghana is set to hold its National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, with a keen focus on the national chairmanship contest. The contest features former Energy Minister Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, former General Secretary John Boadu, former National Chairman Paul Afoko, and former Greater Accra Regional Chairman Sammy Crabbe. Agyarko and Boadu are viewed as the top contenders in the race. The party's Electoral College will determine the outcome, bringing attention to the delegates and their local networks.
Two recent opinion polls have predicted the outcome of the NPP chairmanship race. A September 30 Global InfoAnalytics poll placed John Boadu at 48%, ahead of Agyarko at 38%, with Afoko on 12% and Sammy Crabbe on 2%. Another survey by Professor Smart Sarpong of Kumasi Technical University, covering 9,882 respondents, also put Boadu ahead, including NPP delegates. However, a group of lecturers from the University of Ghana predicted a 60.7% victory for Boakye Agyarko, while Ghana Watch Initiative International had earlier predicted a 51.81% win for the former Energy Minister.
The NPP chairmanship contest has been narrowed down to a two-horse race between Agyarko and Boadu. Both candidates have presented themselves as capable of helping rebuild and reorganise the party, which is still adjusting to its return to opposition. Agyarko's campaign focuses on his experience in government, political pedigree, and a message centred on renewal and repositioning the party. He has asked delegates to vote for him, citing his ability to lead the party to victory.
John Boadu, on the other hand, enters the contest with extensive experience within the NPP's organisational structure. His previous service as General Secretary gives him familiarity with the party's machinery and constituency structures. This organisational experience could become significant in a delegate election where relationships built over years can matter as much as public campaigning.
Beyond the chairmanship, the NPP conference will produce a new leadership team across nine national officer positions. Contests include General Secretary, National Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Nasara Organiser, Treasurer, Communications Director, and three Vice-Chairperson positions. The General Secretary contest features Justin Kodua Frimpong seeking another term against Eugene Boakye Antwi, Sylvester Tetteh, and Charles Dwamena.
The National Organiser’s race has attracted substantial attention, with Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, Salam Mustapha, and other contenders competing for a position central to the party’s grassroots mobilisation. The Women’s Organiser position is being contested by former Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, Perpetual Ekua LomokieAkwada, and Safia Mohammed. A recent survey placed Hawa Koomson ahead among respondents and delegates.
Ultimately, the NPP conference outcome will be determined by the ballots cast by delegates. The chairmanship contest offers a direct test of Agyarko and Boadu's respective political networks, organisational reach, and appeal within the party. The NPP's reorganisation and preparations for the next electoral cycle will be shaped by the leadership structure that emerges from the conference.
Key points
- Boakye Agyarko and John Boadu are the top contenders in the NPP chairmanship race.
- Two opinion polls have predicted the outcome of the NPP chairmanship race, with conflicting results.
- The NPP conference will also elect a new leadership team across nine national officer positions.
