Political Scientist Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng has argued that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces a tougher task ahead of the 2028 elections. This is due to what he described as improvements in Ghana’s economy under President John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Amakye-Boateng made these comments on Precise FM on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng, a Senior KNUST Lecturer, noted that Mahama had performed creditably on inflation and the exchange rate. This underscores the need for strong opposition leadership to make the NPP attractive to Ghanaians through new national leaders. He emphasized that the NPP’s attempts to attribute the economic improvement mainly to the government’s GoldBod policies did not fully answer why the party itself did not achieve similar results when it was in government.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng holds the view that the NPP has “extra work to do” if it wants to present a convincing alternative to voters in 2028. He pointed to why Awentami Paul Afoko should be the best person to be elected as National Chairman. According to Dr. Amakye-Boateng, Afoko's leadership could help the party distance itself from its previous record and present a fresh political message to voters.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng also linked the NPP's challenge to Mahamudu Bawumia’s record as Vice President under the Akufo-Addo administration. According to him, Dr. Bawumia could face questions about any new economic proposals he presents during the next election cycle because he served in the previous government. This could potentially undermine his credibility with voters.
The Political Scientist argued that if Bawumia campaigns on policies that differ from those implemented under the previous administration, voters could ask why he did not pursue those policies while in government. He noted that Bawumia’s integrity has been on the line because he participated in Akufo-Addo’s government. This could make it difficult for him to present new policies without being questioned about his past actions.
For Dr. Amakye-Boateng, the NPP’s response should begin with a change in its internal leadership and identity. He said a new leadership structure could allow the party to distance itself from its previous record and present a fresh political message to voters. With a new identity starting with the election of Awentami Paul Afoko, then they would be on a new trajectory that would appeal to the masses.
Key points
- The NPP faces a tougher task ahead of the 2028 elections due to economic improvements under President John Dramani Mahama.
- Dr. Amakye-Boateng suggests that Awentami Paul Afoko should be elected as National Chairman to help the NPP present a fresh political message.
- Mahamudu Bawumia’s record as Vice President under the Akufo-Addo administration could undermine his credibility with voters in the 2028 election.
