The Minority Leader in Ghana's Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed confidence that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will return to power in the 2028 general elections under the leadership of its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. In an interview with DW Africa, Afenyo-Markin cited the party's previous electoral recovery as evidence that it could overcome its 2024 defeat. He emphasized the importance of hard work, effective parliamentary oversight, and presenting credible alternative policies to Ghanaians.
Afenyo-Markin recalled the NPP's performance in the 1996 general elections, when the party won 61 parliamentary seats against the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) 133 seats. He noted that the party worked hard in opposition, held the government accountable, and presented alternative proposals, which helped it regain control of Parliament and win the presidency in 2000. According to Afenyo-Markin, the NPP's past experiences provide a roadmap for its future success.
The NPP suffered a significant electoral setback in the 2024 general elections, losing the presidency to the NDC's John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Bawumia, the party's presidential candidate, secured 41.61% of the valid votes, against Mahama's 56.55%. The NPP's parliamentary representation also declined from 137 seats in 2020 to 88 in 2024, while the NDC secured 183 seats in the 276-member Parliament.
Following the defeat, the NPP embarked on a reorganisation exercise to rebuild its structures and strengthen its support base ahead of the 2028 elections. The exercise covered polling station, electoral area, constituency, and regional-level elections, culminating in the party's national executive elections in October 2026. This reorganisation effort aims to revitalize the party and prepare it for future electoral challenges.
Dr. Bawumia, who was re-elected as the NPP's flagbearer in early 2026, has since urged party stakeholders to use their experience and political influence to make the NPP a united and formidable force. He emphasized the need for party members to work together to achieve their goals and regain power in 2028.
Afenyo-Markin's comments reflect the NPP's determination to regain power in the next general elections. The party's efforts to reorganize and strengthen its structures demonstrate its commitment to making a comeback. The NPP's success in 2028 will depend on its ability to present a compelling alternative to Ghanaians and effectively implement its policies.
The NPP's 2028 campaign will likely focus on Dr. Bawumia's leadership and the party's policy proposals. Afenyo-Markin's confidence in the party's prospects highlights the NPP's optimism about its chances of regaining power. The outcome of the 2028 elections will depend on various factors, including the NPP's campaign strategy and the party's ability to connect with Ghanaian voters.
Key points
- NPP to focus on effective parliamentary oversight and credible alternative policies to regain power in 2028.
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia re-elected as NPP flagbearer in early 2026.
- NPP suffered significant electoral setback in 2024, losing presidency and parliamentary majority.
