NPP’s chairmanship race takes centre stage: Who picks up the mantle? 

Ghana’s main opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), finds itself at a defining moment in its political journey. Barely a year and a half after relinquishing power, the party is grappling with internal uncertainty while attempting to chart a credible path back to government in the 2028 general elections. 

Within political circles, scepticism abounds over the NPP’s ambitious timeline. Many analysts argue that reclaiming power in 2028 may prove a steep uphill task, particularly in the face of a resurgent administration led by John Dramani Mahama. His government’s widely publicised “resetting agenda,” anchored on development and economic stabilisation, appears to be consolidating support for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). 

One of the clearest signs of this political shift is the growing appeal of the NDC in the Ashanti Region—long regarded as the electoral fortress of the NPP. The steady erosion of the party’s dominance in this pivotal region has sent shockwaves through its ranks, intensifying concerns about its electoral strength and underscoring the urgent need for internal reforms if it is to remain competitive and relevant. 

At the heart of the NPP’s dilemma lies a fundamental leadership question: who will steer the party into the next electoral cycle? While the early selection of Mahamudu Bawumia as presidential candidate was intended to project unity and preparedness, it has done little to calm anxieties within the rank and file. Critics argue that the decision was rushed and disconnected from a broader effort to rebuild the party’s internal structures and morale. 

Party Chairman as national leader 

Under the NPP’s amended constitution, the National Chairman occupies a uniquely powerful position as the de facto leader of the party—even when the party produces a sitting president. This provision has elevated the stakes in the ongoing contest, transforming the chairmanship race into a pivotal battle for control and direction. 

A mix of seasoned figures has thrown their hats into the ring, each seeking to redefine the party’s future. For many observers, the current turbulence echoes one of the key weaknesses that plagued the NPP ahead of the 2024 elections: a perceived absence of strong, unifying leadership. Critics contend that the party appeared politically adrift, lacking a commanding figure to galvanise its base and articulate a coherent national message. 

Compounding this was widespread dissatisfaction with the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which many believe negatively impacted the party’s electoral fortunes. This apparent leadership vacuum stands in stark contrast to the NPP’s storied past, when the influence and organisational strength of past chairmen helped shape its identity and success. 

Figures such as B.J. Rocha, Peter Ala Adjetey, Odoi-Sykes, Harona Esseku, Peter Mac Manu, and Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey are often cited as exemplars of the party’s “golden era” of leadership. Today, a growing chorus within the NPP is asking whether it can rediscover that tradition of strong stewardship. 

Who picks up the mantle? 

Ultimately, the future of the NPP hinges not merely on its presidential candidate, but on who assumes the all-important role of National Chairman. As the party wrestles its identity and struggles to rebuild after electoral defeat, the emerging leadership contest has become a defining moment—one that could either restore its political fortunes or deepen internal fractures. 

A look at some of the contenders: 

Boakye Agyarko 

Agyarko’s appeal lies in his promise of ideological restoration—a clarion call supported by elements of the “old guard,” who believe the party has drifted from its founding principles in favour of personal ambition and expediency. 

Yet critics question whether his perceived persistence—some might call it an obsession—with leadership positions could undermine his credibility. For many within the party, the key question is whether Agyarko represents genuine renewal or merely a continuation of elite contestation. 

Paul Afoko 

Afoko’s re-emergence carries both intrigue and sympathy. A former National Chairman whose tenure was cut short under controversial circumstances, he has largely avoided public confrontation, opting for restraint over retaliation. 

That posture may now work in his favour, projecting him as a figure of endurance and loyalty. However, his prolonged absence from frontline politics could count against him in a race that demands visibility, mobilisation, and constant engagement with party structures. 

John Boadu 

The immediate past General Secretary remains a formidable contender. He presided over a historic moment when the NPP secured a second consecutive electoral victory in the Fourth Republic. Yet, like Afoko, his exit from office was mired in internal intrigue and controversy. 

His path to the chairmanship will depend largely on his ability to counter lingering narratives and reassert his relevance. If he succeeds, he could emerge as a stabilising force with deep institutional knowledge. 

Edward Boateng 

Edward Boateng is a recurring name in discussions surrounding the NPP chairmanship, though he has often stopped short of formally contesting. His continued mention suggests a degree of appeal—perhaps as a compromise candidate or a technocratic figure acceptable to multiple factions. 

The lingering uncertainty, however, is whether he possesses the appetite for the contest or the political machinery required to win it. 

Asamoah Boateng 

A former Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs, Asamoah Boateng is no stranger to political contests. His persistence in previous races demonstrates resilience, but repeated unsuccessful attempts raise questions about his electoral viability within the party. 

While experience is on his side, skepticism remains over whether he can galvanise sufficient support to break through this time. Still, in politics, persistence can sometimes precede breakthroughs. 

Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi) 

Perhaps the most controversial of the contenders, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman’s entry has been met with a mix of surprise and skepticism. Known widely as Wontumi, his candidacy raises critical questions about credibility, public perception, and strategic direction. 

His ongoing legal and reputational challenges could pose significant risks to the party’s image should he ascend to its highest internal office. 

A defining choice 

The NPP chairmanship race is shaping up to be more than an internal contest—it is a referendum on the party’s future. Will it return to its ideological roots, rely on experienced hands, or gamble on new energy and unconventional leadership? 

The answer will determine not only who picks up the mantle, but whether the NPP can reconstitute itself as a cohesive and credible alternative to the ruling NDC ahead of 2028.