Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has expressed confidence in newly elected National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, saying he can appeal to people across Ghana's social and political spectrum. Speaking in an interview on Monday, 5 October, following the party's national delegates conference over the weekend, Prof Oquaye defended Mr Boadu's ability to connect with different groups of voters.
Prof Oquaye's comments came in response to a question about whether Mr Boadu, widely associated with the party's grassroots, could help the NPP regain support among middle-class voters. He argued that the NPP's appeal extended across social backgrounds, citing its record of social interventions, including school feeding and free secondary education. This, he said, demonstrated the party's commitment to satisfying the needs of all social groups.
Prof Oquaye also praised Mr Boadu's political experience and progression through the party's leadership structures. He described Mr Boadu as an exceptionally gifted political figure, citing his experience in organisational and administrative roles. This experience, Prof Oquaye said, gave Mr Boadu a strong foundation for the chairmanship, having combined organisational and secretarial responsibilities during the period leading to the election that brought Nana Akufo-Addo to power.
In addition to praising Mr Boadu, Prof Oquaye acknowledged the strengths of the other contenders, particularly Boakye Agyarko, whom he praised for his understanding of the party's history and vision. He noted that the calibre of the candidates made the contest a difficult choice for delegates, stating that all the people were well-qualified. This made the decision far from easy, according to Prof Oquaye.
Prof Oquaye maintained that Mr Boadu could attract support across different sections of society, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the party. He pointed to Mr Boadu's familiarity with the party and its members as a significant advantage. This, combined with his political experience, made him well-suited for the role of National Chairman.
The NPP's national delegates conference took place over the weekend, culminating in the election of John Boadu as the party's new National Chairman. Prof Oquaye's endorsement of Mr Boadu comes at a time when the party is seeking to strengthen its support base. The NPP has been working to implement recommendations from its 2024 election review, with Prof Mike Oquaye highlighting the party's efforts to address internal concerns.
As the NPP looks to the future, Prof Oquaye's comments reflect the party's confidence in John Boadu's leadership abilities. With his experience and political background, Mr Boadu is expected to play a key role in shaping the party's strategy and direction. The NPP's commitment to unity and reconciliation, as pledged by Mr Boadu, will be crucial in the lead-up to future elections.
Key points
- Prof Mike Oquaye expresses confidence in John Boadu's ability to appeal across Ghana's social groups.
- John Boadu's experience and political background make him well-suited for the role of National Chairman.
- The NPP is working to strengthen its support base and implement recommendations from its 2024 election review.
