A recent academic survey conducted by the University of Ghana's Department of Political Science has indicated that most New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates expect Eugene Boakye Antwi to defeat the incumbent General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, in the October 3 General Secretary race. The survey, which polled 889 NPP stakeholders, found that 657 respondents, or 74.2%, anticipate Boakye Antwi emerging victorious.
The survey, led by Dr Chris Atadika, also revealed that Kodua was tipped by 223 respondents, representing 25.1%, while Sylvester Tetteh, another candidate in the race, garnered just six mentions, or 0.7%. The researchers emphasized that the numbers reflect the delegates' expectations rather than a scientific forecast of the actual result. This poll adds to an earlier version of the same survey that showed delegates leaning toward Boakye Antwi.
The General Secretary race is one of nine national executive positions up for grabs during the NPP's national officer elections at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on October 3. A total of 47 aspirants have been cleared across all positions on the ballot. The election is being overseen by the NPP's National Officers Elections Committee, with the Electoral Commission providing oversight.
The outcome of the General Secretary race is being closely watched due to the position's central role in the NPP's organisational machinery, coordinating grassroots mobilisation and party administration nationwide. The result will signal how the party intends to rebuild its structures heading into the 2028 election.
According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the survey found that delegates rated good communication skills and boldness, the ability to help the party win in 2028, and the capacity to unite the party as the top qualities they want in a General Secretary. The NPP has reinstated proxy voting, which it had previously banned over abuse concerns, ahead of the election.
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to attend the conference and call for party unity. The election and subsequent party reorganisation come after the NPP's defeat in the 2024 general election. The party has cleared four candidates to contest the General Secretary seat: Sylvester Tetteh, Eugene Boakye Antwi, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and Dr Charles Dwamena.
The University of Ghana's survey provides further insight into the NPP's internal dynamics ahead of the October 3 elections. With 76.6% of respondents naming a preferred candidate, the survey indicates a high level of engagement among NPP delegates. The actual outcome of the election will be closely monitored by ordinary NPP members and Ghanaians tracking the party's direction.
Key points
- 74% of NPP delegates expect Eugene Boakye Antwi to win the General Secretary race.
- The NPP's General Secretary race is one of nine national executive positions up for grabs on October 3.
- The outcome will signal how the party intends to rebuild its structures heading into the 2028 election.
