Deputy General Secretary of Ghana's National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has expressed concerns over the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) recent election of Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba, as First Vice Chairman. Gbande described the outcome as "backward politics," citing Bamba's past association with pro-NPP vigilante groups. He argued that electing a former leader of such a group to a senior party position projects a mindset of violence that Ghana has moved beyond.
Gbande made these comments during an interview on JoyNews' AM show. He rejected suggestions that the NPP's new leadership could rely on violence or other means to influence future elections. According to Gbande, Ghana's electoral system has developed to prevent such actions, and parties that lose public support must accept defeat. He emphasized that nobody will be allowed to rig an election in the country again.
The NPP elected Kojo Bamba as First Vice Chairman at its National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, securing 3,116 votes. Bamba previously rose to prominence as a leader of the Delta Force, a pro-NPP vigilante group involved in a 2017 confrontation over a regional security coordinator appointment. He 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 acknowledged Bamba's grassroots political experience but questioned the message conveyed by his election. He referred to Bamba's past association with former President Nana Akufo-Addo and his leadership of the Delta Force. However, Gbande noted that Bamba's background does not by itself disqualify him from holding political office. He recognized that political parties require different skills and personalities during election campaigns.
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. He did not provide further details during the interview. The NDC and NPP are preparing for the 2028 general elections, and Gbande's comments reflect the ongoing tensions between the two parties.
Kojo Bamba's election as NPP First Vice Chairman has sparked controversy, with critics like Gbande expressing concerns over his past associations. Bamba's leadership of the Delta Force and his subsequent involvement in NPP's formal structures have raised questions about the party's priorities and strategies. The NPP's decision to elect Bamba to a senior position has significant implications for the party's future.
As Ghana prepares for the 2028 general elections, the NPP and NDC are positioning themselves for a competitive campaign. The controversy surrounding Bamba's election highlights the challenges and tensions that often characterize Ghanaian politics. The NPP's leadership has yet to respond to Gbande's comments, but the debate is likely to continue as the elections approach.
Key points
- Mustapha Gbande criticizes NPP's election of Kojo Bamba as "backward politics"
- Kojo Bamba elected NPP First Vice Chairman with 3,116 votes
- Gbande alleges NPP planned to deploy military personnel to support electoral efforts
