Boakye Agyarko, a former Energy Minister, is on the verge of winning the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) national chairmanship race. Agyarko has completed a marathon nationwide campaign trip, meeting with party supporters and well-wishers. His message resonated with his audience, emphasizing his commitment to uniting the party, rebuilding its structures, and delivering victory in 2028. Agyarko's popular lines, "My party right or wrong I stand by it," have become a rallying cry among his supporters.
Agyarko's vision for the NPP is centered around "Operation One Touch," a strategy aimed at achieving two victories in one election: electing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as President and restoring the parliamentary majority. He believes that winning both is crucial, stating, "A President without a Majority is a driver without a road." Agyarko's goal is to lead the party to victory in 2028, and he has assured party faithful that under his leadership, the NPP will witness unity countrywide.
The NPP has experienced a decline in parliamentary representation, with its seats reducing from 169 in 2016 to 137 in 2020 and further down to 88 in the 2024 general election. Agyarko acknowledged this decline, noting that the party's presidential vote deficit in 2024 reflected a deeper disconnect between the NPP and some sections of the electorate. He promised to address this anomaly when he takes over the mantle of leadership of the party.
Agyarko highlighted his experience in banking, politics, and public service, citing his 22 years at the Bank of New York, where he rose to the position of Vice President. He also outlined his roles as a founding member of the NPP, National Campaign Manager in 2012, Policy Adviser, and Cabinet Minister. Agyarko's experience and credentials have earned him the support of many party members.
Agyarko outlined five key commitments he would pursue if elected National Chairman, including ensuring unity within the party, creating a credible membership register, improving financial accountability, reconciling aggrieved members, and strengthening party structures. He emphasized the need for a transparent and reliable membership register, particularly with the party's transition to a one-member, one-vote system.
Agyarko called for unity among party members, stressing that the NPP must remain a home for all supporters regardless of background or religion. He stated, "We are a broad tradition. Christian and Muslim. North and South. The veteran who stood in the rain in 1992 and the student who joined us last year. The Elephant is large enough to carry all of them, and it must." Agyarko's message of unity and inclusivity has resonated with party members.
Boakye Agyarko was born in 1956 in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, to Kwasi Agyarko, a merchant and United Party activist. He attended Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast and later obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon. Agyarko immigrated to the United States of America as a political refugee, where he obtained an Advanced Professional Certificate in Banking and a Master of Business Administration in Financial Economics from Pace University, New York.
Key points
- Boakye Agyarko is poised to win the NPP's national chairmanship race with his "Operation One Touch" strategy.
- Agyarko has outlined five key commitments to ensure unity, create a credible membership register, and strengthen party structures.
- The NPP has experienced a decline in parliamentary representation, with its seats reducing from 169 in 2016 to 88 in the 2024 general election.
