NPP Power Play: Race for National Executive Seats Ignites Kumasi Ahead of 2028 Showdown

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to hold its National Delegates Congress and national officers’ elections on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. This significant event will bring together an estimated 7,163 delegates from across Ghana to consider crucial constitutional amendments and elect new national leaders, marking a pivotal step in the party’s reorganisation efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The congress will proceed in two parts, with delegates first considering proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. These proposals, expected to be fewer than 20, include some previously unaddressed from a January 2026 conference and new considerations. A key amendment concerns the designation of the party leader; while a previous provision named the National Chairman as leader, a new proposal suggests the party’s flagbearer assume this role. Another significant change relates to the election of Vice Chairpersons, moving from a system where all candidates contest a single position with the top three becoming Vice Chairpersons, to one where candidates apply for and contest specific Vice Chairperson slots. Additionally, delegates will be asked to approve the appointment of three unelected Vice Chairpersons, and proposals include creating Deputy Communications Officer positions and elevating the IT Officer to an executive role.

Forty-five aspirants were initially slated to contest nine national executive positions, including National Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary, National Organiser, National Women’s Organiser, National Youth Organiser, National Nasara Organiser, National Treasurer, and National Communications Director. Following withdrawals, 46 candidates remain on the final ballot. The Electoral Commission (EC) will supervise the elections across 31 voting centers within the stadium to streamline the process.

The race for National Chairperson features four candidates: John Boadu, Sammy Crabbe, Paul Afoko, and Boakye Agyarko. The Vice-Chairperson contest is the largest, with thirteen candidates vying for three positions. Four candidates, including incumbent Justin Frimpong Kodua, are contesting for General Secretary. The National Organiser race has seven contenders, while six candidates are in the running for National Youth Organiser. The National Women’s Organiser position is a two-way contest between Hajia Safia Mohammed and Mavis Hawa Koomson, and five candidates are competing for National Nasara Organiser. Notably, the National Communications Director position is uncontested, with Dennis Miracles Aboagye as the sole candidate.

Pre-election discussions have highlighted various dynamics within the party. Richard Ahiagbah, an aspirant for National First Vice Chairman, strongly dismissed a recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics that placed him behind four contenders, emphasizing that delegates’ ballots would be the ultimate determinant. He also advocated for regional balance in the party’s leadership as a strategy for the 2028 general elections. Conversely, National Youth Organiser aspirant Clement Opoku Gyamfi indicated that the same poll had motivated him to intensify his campaign efforts. Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, a member of the National Elections Committee, refuted claims that some aspirants were backed by the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stressing that competence and grassroots connections, not proximity to the flagbearer, should guide delegates' choices. Political Science lecturer Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng suggested that the NPP needs a 'new identity' and 'extra work' to effectively counter the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028, linking challenges to Dr. Bawumia’s previous role in the Akufo-Addo administration and endorsing Paul Afoko for National Chairman. Paul Afoko himself campaigned on a message of party unity and reconciliation. Amb. Edward Akwasi Boateng endorsed John Boadu for National Chairman, citing his experience, institutional knowledge, and ability to unite the party for victory in 2028.

A final wave of a Global InfoAnalytics tracking poll, conducted between September 24 and 28, 2026, for the National Youth Organiser race, showed Fusaini Yakubu Abanga maintaining his lead with 45% support. Clement Opoku Gyamfi trailed with 22%, followed by Michael Osei Boateng at 14%. Alfred Ababio and Vera Oye Bram-Larbi each recorded 7%, while Chris Lloyd Asamoah polled 4%. The survey involved 3,263 NPP delegates, reporting a 98% confidence level and a margin of error of plus or minus 1.35 percentage points.

Extensive security measures are in place for the conference, with between 3,000 and 4,000 police personnel deployed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ashanti Regional Police Command. These officers will manage traffic, secure delegate hostels, and provide security within and around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Preparations are advanced, with delegates arriving and public address systems being installed. The EC has finalized ballot papers and electoral materials, cautioning delegates against electoral offenses like photographing marked ballots. Delegates will be identified using a party membership card, voter identification card, or Ghana Card. A simulation exercise involving stakeholders was conducted to test arrangements.

The congress represents the culmination of the NPP's internal reorganisation, positioning the party to consolidate its leadership and strategize for the challenging political landscape leading up to the 2028 general elections, with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia already selected as the party’s flagbearer.