Ghana Politics News

The latest Ghana politics coverage in one place: government and parliament, elections, policy, and the people shaping national life, from Accra to the regions. Stories are curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and refreshed through the day, newest first.

The image features Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, a prominent Ghanaian political scientist, during a media appearance. He is wearing a distinct yellow and blue patterned shirt and speaking into a microphone with a red windscreen. The setting appears to be a studio interview where he is offering political commentary.
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Ghanaian Political Landscape Shifts as NDC Opens Regional Nominations and NPP Reorganizes Amidst Economic Criticism

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially launched the next phase of its internal reorganization, opening nominations for the 2026 Regional Executive elections on October 6, 2026. This move follows the party's success in the 2024 elections under President John Mahama. Prospective candidates are required to use a dedicated online portal for nomination payments via mobile money or credit cards, as the party leadership emphasizes membership in good standing and strict adherence to democratic discipline. In the Ashanti Region, the incumbent chairman, Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews, has already filed for re-election, touting his record of increasing parliamentary seats and setting an ambitious target of 35 seats for the 2028 cycle. Other figures, such as Mahmud Kabore and Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, have also signaled their intentions to contest regional positions, with Salifu notably making headlines for providing medical support to his NPP counterpart following an accident. Simultaneously, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is navigating a period of introspection and leadership transition following their departure from the presidency in early 2025. Political scientists have warned that the party faces a risk of disintegration if it fails to rebuild unity and reconnect with its grassroots supporters, particularly in its stronghold of the Ashanti Region. Despite these challenges, the NPP recently concluded national youth organizer elections where Abanga Fusaini Yakubu emerged victorious. In a unique display of Ghanaian political dynamics, Yakubu's twin brother, Alhassan, serves as a National Vice Chairman for the rival NDC. Yakubu has publicly affirmed his loyalty to the NPP, stating that family ties will not compromise party strategies. Meanwhile, the NPP's Third Vice Chairperson, Nana Akomea, indicated that the party remains open to reconciling with former presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, pending a report from the disciplinary committee. In Parliament and local governance, tensions remain high regarding developmental projects and the rule of law. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the Mahama administration to provide clarity on the stalled National Cathedral project, suggesting it be viewed as a national landmark and tourist attraction rather than solely a place of worship. During a meeting with the Christian Council, Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about recent arrests related to free speech, advocating for civil rather than criminal remedies for defamation. These legislative concerns are mirrored by a localized but intense rift in Tema, where Tema Central MP Charles Forson and Tema Mayor Ebi Bright are locked in a dispute over District Assemblies Common Fund allocations and building permits. The conflict has escalated to include allegations of assault against the mayor’s driver, which Forson has categorically denied while petitioning the Minister of Local Government for intervention. As the nation approaches the second year of President Mahama’s current term, economic debates continue to dominate the political discourse. MP Charles Forson has claimed that rising fuel and food prices are causing some voters to regret the change in government, though the NDC maintains its focus on its 24-hour economy initiative and accountability measures. Mustapha Gbande, NDC Deputy General Secretary, recently emphasized that the party would not shield any official found embezzling state funds. Beyond the major parties, Dr. Hassan Ayariga of the APC has challenged the Bank of Ghana over the legal basis for arresting individuals using cedi notes in gift bouquets, while the Peasant Farmers Association has called for an urgent resolution to an impasse between the Finance and Agriculture ministries. These developments reflect a vibrant, if contentious, political atmosphere as Ghana’s leaders position themselves for the challenges of the 2028 electoral cycle.

Dr Noah Ephraim Tetteh Adamtey speaking at the event
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Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, Sophia Akuffo, and Prof. Mike Oquaye Lead Calls for Fundamental Judicial and Constitutional Reforms

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has marked the commencement of Ghana’s 69th Legal Year by urging the judiciary to prioritize strengthening the foundations of justice over mere procedural reforms. Speaking at a special service that also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice—who signaled his imminent retirement from the bench—emphasized that public confidence is earned through fair treatment and accessibility. This call for institutional integrity was echoed by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo at an Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) forum, where she advocated for urgent constitutional reforms to empower citizens in local governance, particularly those in rural areas who remain largely excluded from centralized decision-making processes. Complementing these calls for systemic change, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, former Speaker of Parliament, has expressed strong opposition to the creation of special tribunals for criminal cases. He argued that such structures undermine the principle of equality before the law, insisting that all citizens must be tried in ordinary courts to prevent an improper expansion of prosecutorial powers. Legal expert Dr. Noah Ephraim Tetteh Adamtey further stressed that the constitutional reform process must not be dictated solely by the government. Speaking at a CDD-Ghana event, he called for broader stakeholder participation, including political parties, civil society, and the media, to ensure amendments reflect national interests rather than narrow political agendas. Beyond institutional structures, the quality of political discourse and national security remains a central concern for religious and civil leaders. Archbishop Charles Agyinasare recently condemned the normalization of insults in politics, warning that the younger generation is being negatively influenced by the abusive language used by public figures. In a similar vein, Professor Oquaye urged political parties to dismantle vigilante and 'machoism' groups, asserting that the state must retain its monopoly on security to prevent escalating violence. This climate of scrutiny was underscored by the 'Democracy in Progress' group, which petitioned the Supreme Court to ensure that investigations into politically exposed persons follow strict due process, maintaining that lawful accountability is a pillar of democracy rather than a form of persecution. The push for reform extends into specialized sectors, with Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, advocating for predictable biotechnology regulations to foster innovation and attract investment. Simultaneously, the Ghana Institute of Architects has proposed making adequate housing a human right through the establishment of a Ghana Housing Authority. These diverse calls for reform—ranging from judicial ethics to sector-specific policies—reflect a broader national demand for accountability and service-oriented leadership. As the nation progresses, the success of these initiatives will depend on the willingness of the ruling elite to prioritize collective well-being and the rule of law over personal interest.

Iran Demands US Concessions Amid Rising Regional Tensions and Brazil’s Polarized Presidential Election
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Iran Demands US Concessions Amid Rising Regional Tensions and Brazil’s Polarized Presidential Election

Global geopolitical tensions have intensified as Iran's Parliamentary Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, set seven specific preconditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the United States. Communicated through Qatar, the demands include the lifting of sanctions, an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, the release of frozen assets, and the cessation of military actions against Iran and its allies. This hardline stance comes as Tehran executed Alireza Sepahi and Alireza Raeisi, who were convicted of killing four police officers during protests in Isfahan—unrest the Iranian government has characterized as a foreign-backed coup. Ghalibaf emphasized that the era of unilateral demands is over, suggesting a seven-day roadmap for the U.S. to comply before any negotiations for a comprehensive agreement can begin. In the United States, Donald Trump has drawn sharp rebukes from California officials after suggesting at a campaign rally that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. Governor Gavin Newsom described the remarks as "deranged and dangerous," while LA Mayor Karen Bass viewed them as a direct threat, prompting Newsom to order the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor potential risks. The White House defended the comments, asserting they were intended to highlight the security risks posed by a nuclear-capable Iran. Amidst this controversy, Trump also announced he would stop using taxpayer funds for "Patriotic Ads," opting instead to fund his promotional efforts through the MAGA Inc super PAC following bipartisan criticism over the potential misuse of government resources. Meanwhile, Brazil is gripped by a highly polarized presidential election featuring incumbent leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. With 159 million citizens eligible to vote, the campaign has focused on crime, the role of the state, and international relations. Analysts anticipate that neither frontrunner will secure an outright majority, making a run-off election on October 25 highly likely. This electoral tension mirrors broader regional instability, as Yemen’s Houthi movement recently declared Saudi Arabian airspace "unsafe" for commercial airlines. The Houthis cited escalating airstrikes and their own territorial gains near the Bab al-Mandab Strait as factors that could threaten civilian aviation in the region. In Africa, the political landscape remains fraught with legal and diplomatic challenges. Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, has publicly refuted claims that negotiations are underway for the release of her husband, Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye currently faces treason charges, which Byanyima has characterized as state persecution rather than a legitimate legal process. These diverse international developments—from the vital shipping lanes of the Middle East to the polling stations of South America—underscore a period of significant friction where domestic political survival increasingly intersects with global security and economic stability.

Gov't to launch three legal instruments on social protection, gender equity
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President Mahama Grants Pardon to 863 Convicts as Minister Ayariga Outlines Sweeping Local Government Reforms

President John Dramani Mahama has granted a presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as Ghana prepares for its 70th Independence Anniversary in March 2027. The clemency, announced on October 5, 2026, primarily benefits 819 first-time offenders, alongside 13 elderly inmates and six individuals suffering from serious illnesses. The decision also includes the commutation of 11 death sentences to life imprisonment. Amid this announcement, speculation has risen regarding the potential inclusion of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. However, his spokesperson, Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah, clarified that they have yet to receive official confirmation of a pardon for the former NPP regional chairman, with legal counsel Maurice Ampaw even appealing to the President’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama, to intervene. Simultaneously, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has unveiled a series of ambitious reforms aimed at decentralization and economic efficiency. A key highlight is the redesignation of "24-hour economy markets" to "District Economy Markets" to better reflect the scope of the government’s infrastructure policy. The Ministry targets 100% completion of the first phase of these market developments by 2028. Additionally, the Local Government Service (LGS) has initiated a staff rationalization plan to redistribute personnel across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), ensuring that overstaffed urban centers support regions facing human resource shortages. To enhance accountability, the government is also transitioning to a digital property tax system that eliminates cash payments. In a move to address sanitation challenges, Minister Ayariga expressed confidence in winning the "waste management war" within a year. The strategy involves constructing three new landfill sites in Greater Accra, establishing community-level waste transfer stations, and creating 20,000 permanent jobs in the sector. These reforms are projected to significantly reduce the financial burden on citizens, with fortnightly household waste collection bills expected to drop from GH"300 to GH"50. This environmental focus is further bolstered by the support of Central Region traditional leaders for the impending ban on Styrofoam and polystyrene containers, which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. On the legislative front, the government is set to launch three major legal instruments on October 7, 2026, including the Social Protection Act, 2025, and Affirmative Action Regulations. These laws aim to strengthen the framework for gender equity and provide more robust support for marginalized populations. Parallel to these legal updates, the Ministry is working to revitalize the Chieftaincy Act, restoring the traditional powers of chiefs to summon subjects who violate local laws. This initiative includes formalizing 17 lines of succession to reduce stool and skin disputes, thereby promoting community stability. Looking toward regional development and international cooperation, the government is positioning the Banda District in the Bono Region as a premier tourism hub within the next five years. Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted the potential of the Hippo Sanctuary and Bui National Park, complemented by a unique floating solar project. Internationally, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been conducting surprise inspections of visa application centers to improve consular services for students and travelers, while diplomatic talks in Seoul have explored new cultural and creative industry partnerships between Ghana and the Republic of Korea.

Minority Leader and Fishing Industry Urge President Mahama to Address Mining and Environmental Threats
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Minority Leader and Fishing Industry Urge President Mahama to Address Mining and Environmental Threats

Ghana’s mining and environmental policies are under intense scrutiny as both the parliamentary Minority and the fishing industry demand urgent intervention from President John Mahama’s administration. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised alarms over the unchecked spread of illegal mining (galamsey) and the structural failings of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), while the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) and civil society organizations (CSOs) are petitioning for the suspension of a massive offshore gold exploration project. These developments highlight a growing national consensus on the need for stricter resource management to protect forest reserves, water bodies, and coastal livelihoods. During a high-level meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana, Afenyo-Markin criticized the current structure of GoldBod, alleging that it inadvertently encourages illegal mining by failing to distinguish between legally and illegally sourced gold. He warned that galamsey is on the verge of wiping out critical forest reserves, including the Atewa Forest, and has led to severe contamination of national water supplies—a concern he underscored by referencing his tenure as a former chairman of the Ghana Water Company. The Minority Leader also called for transparency regarding reported US$1.7 billion losses linked to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and condemned what he described as the selective prosecution of opposition figures, urging the Council to support constitutional reforms and greater government accountability. Simultaneously, the fishing industry has directed its grievances to President Mahama, seeking the immediate suspension of a reconnaissance license granted to GoldCoast Resource Corp for gold exploration along Ghana’s continental shelf. In a petition dated October 6, 2026, NAFAG President Nana Joojo Solomon expressed deep concern over the 10,000-square-kilometer exploration area, which reportedly overlaps with the Inshore Exclusion Zone reserved for artisanal fishers. A coalition of CSOs and fishing communities joined this call, arguing that the project lacks adequate stakeholder consultation and could cause irreversible damage to marine habitats and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians dependent on the blue economy. They are demanding a comprehensive Fisheries Impact Assessment and a transparent review of all offshore mining licenses. As pressure mounts on executive and regulatory bodies, public sentiment reflects a growing impatience with political solutions to the environmental crisis. Social commentator Efia Odo recently voiced frustration with the political class, accusing both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to match their campaign rhetoric with decisive action against galamsey. The convergence of concerns from parliamentary leaders, religious groups, and industrial stakeholders suggests a critical turning point for the Mahama administration. The government now faces the challenge of balancing resource extraction with the urgent need for environmental preservation and the protection of traditional industries.

A close-up photograph of Honorable Lydia Alhassan, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, speaking into a microphone during a formal meeting. She is wearing distinctive large-framed glasses and a blue floral shirt, with other attendees visible in the blurred background against yellow curtains.
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Parliament Directs Crackdown on Unauthorized Urban Structures as La Pleasure Beach Compensation Process Begins

Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, has issued a stern directive to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly to immediately address the proliferation of unauthorized billboards and temporary containers. The committee expressed alarm over structures obstructing major roads and high-value areas like East Legon, highlighting significant risks to road safety and urban planning. During accountability sessions, Sawyerr emphasized that local authorities must prioritize the removal of large unauthorized structures that threaten public safety and aesthetics over the policing of petty traders. In East Legon, Ayawaso West officials admitted to Parliament that many temporary containers were never sanctioned, prompting questions about the Assembly's monitoring efficacy and enforcement capabilities. In response to similar concerns in the capital, AMA Chief Executive Michael Kpakpo Allotey confirmed that specialized teams have begun removing unauthorized signage without prior notice to prevent organized resistance from owners. The assembly is also working to relocate street traders from road medians to enhance city safety, though the parliamentary committee has urged a focus on a comprehensive plan to uphold long-term planning regulations. Parallel to these enforcement measures, the government is moving to address the fallout from recent demolitions at La Pleasure Beach. A multi-stakeholder committee, including representatives from SSNIT, the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), and local MP Naa Odoley Sowah, is scheduled to be established to determine compensation for affected business owners and individuals. While data on displaced persons has been collected, the committee is tasked with finalizing individual packages based on specific relocation needs and financial losses. MP Sowah emphasized that these cases are distinct from demolitions at Laboma Beach and underscored the necessity for better consultation between central authorities and local assemblies to prevent future disputes. Regulatory tensions have also surfaced in the Obuasi East Municipality, where shop owners at Rabb Junction are resisting demolition exercises led by MCE William Kofi Adzowu, citing a lack of alternative locations and prior consultation. Amidst these administrative challenges, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is debating a new candidate-scouting strategy proposed by 2028 flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The plan aims to reduce the influence of money in politics by identifying community leaders rather than relying solely on wealth-driven primaries, a shift that mirrors the broader national conversation on transparency, accountability, and the restoration of order in both governance and electoral processes.

PAC raises alarm over GH¢5.2bn financial irregularities in MDAs
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Public Accounts Committee Flags GH¢5.2 Billion in Irregularities as Auditor-General Withdraws High-Profile Special Audit Reports

Ghana’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has uncovered GH¢5.2 billion in financial irregularities within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the 2025 financial year, with a staggering GH¢4.8 billion attributed to tax-related infractions. PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare expressed grave concern over recurring breaches, signaling a strategic shift in the committee's approach. Moving forward, the PAC intends to move beyond merely identifying errors, focusing instead on whether public institutions have implemented previous audit recommendations to prevent systematic financial mismanagement. This announcement comes as the committee intensifies its scrutiny of state institutions to ensure stricter compliance with financial regulations and proper resource management. In a significant development during the hearings, the Auditor-General formally withdrew two high-profile special audit reports concerning the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, and the 13th All African Games. The PAC has subsequently suspended consideration of these documents until they are corrected and officially resubmitted. The withdrawn embassy report reportedly detailed irregular financial transactions amounting to approximately US$19.38 million, including unauthorized fees, while the All African Games audit highlighted procurement irregularities exceeding GH¢579 million. Chairperson Osei-Asare emphasized that these reports will remain off the legislative agenda until the Auditor-General provides authorized, corrected versions. The committee also interrogated the Central Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) over the processing of GH¢14.88 million in payment vouchers outside the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). While a ministry representative attributed the breach to complications with budget codes for donor-funded transactions, the PAC warned that continued non-compliance would be viewed as a deliberate failure to implement corrective measures. This scrutiny aligns with calls from Francis Asenso-Boakye, Ranking Member of the Committee on Local Government and Decentralisation, who urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to stop allowing the same audit irregularities to recur annually. He stressed that audit findings must lead to meaningful institutional reforms rather than becoming routine documentations of waste. Efforts to bolster internal accountability are beginning to emerge in other sectors, as seen with the National Labour Commission (NLC) inaugurating a new nine-member Audit Committee. Chaired by Josephine Opoku-Agyemang, the committee is tasked with enhancing financial prudence and implementing audit recommendations internally to avoid the need for PAC intervention. As the PAC continues its review of the 2025 Auditor-General’s report, the overarching message to public officials remains clear: the focus has shifted from simple identification of infractions to a demand for verifiable corrective action and the permanent closure of loopholes that facilitate financial leakage.

A portrait of Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), captured during a televised interview. He is wearing a white button-down shirt with a small lapel microphone attached, set against a dark studio background.
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MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah Granted GH¢10m Bail as NDC Official Admits Directing EOCO Arrest

The Accra High Court has granted bail of GH¢10 million with two sureties to Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, following his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The MP faces three criminal charges, including money laundering and causing financial loss to the state, specifically involving an alleged GH¢9.85 million loss to SIC Life Savings and Loans. Baffour Awuah, who turned himself in on October 1 following the issuance of a court warrant, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has sparked a significant political firestorm regarding the independence of state investigative bodies and the treatment of elected officials. Controversy surrounding the arrest intensified after Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), admitted to instructing EOCO to apprehend the MP. Gbande defended his actions, stating that the directive was necessitated by Baffour Awuah’s alleged refusal to cooperate with investigative invitations and emphasizing that no political figure should be exempt from law enforcement. However, this admission has drawn sharp condemnation from Akwasi Konadu, the MP for Manhyia North, who described Gbande’s remarks as an arrogant ’abuse of political power.’ Konadu warned that suggesting a political official can direct the arrest of a legislator undermines the independence of law enforcement and the principles of due process. The Parliament of Ghana has also expressed formal concern over the handling of the case, particularly the decision by EOCO to detain the MP overnight after he had voluntarily presented himself. The legislature questioned the necessity of the detention, arguing that once a suspect cooperates, continued custody should not be used as a punitive measure. Parliament announced intentions to review the existing constitutional frameworks governing the detention and prosecution of MPs to ensure that their rights and privileges are respected and to prevent potential political victimization. As the legal process unfolds, Baffour Awuah is scheduled to reappear in court on October 26, 2026. The proceedings are expected to be closely watched as a test of the balance between institutional accountability and the protection of parliamentary representatives from executive or partisan interference. While the NDC leadership maintains that the case is a straightforward matter of financial misconduct, the opposition and parliamentary observers continue to raise alarms over the optics of political figures influencing state-led criminal investigations.

Ablakwa says Cabinet has approved Ghana's bid to join BRICS
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President Mahama’s Cabinet Approves Ghana’s Formal Application to Join BRICS Amid Strengthening Ties with India

Ghana’s Cabinet has officially approved a bid for the country to join BRICS, the influential bloc of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The decision was announced on October 6, 2026, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a joint press briefing with the visiting Indian Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Accra. This strategic move is a cornerstone of President John Mahama’s 'New Economy' initiative, which seeks to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships and accelerate transformative economic growth through deeper integration with the Global South. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that seeking BRICS membership is part of a broader foreign policy shift toward resource sovereignty and a multipolar international system. While the government aims to expand its development options through the bloc, officials stressed that Ghana intends to maintain its long-standing relationships with traditional partners, including the IMF and the World Bank. The application aims to move the country away from a reliance on raw material exports toward value-added industrialization, leveraging the trade and investment opportunities provided by BRICS members who already have significant diplomatic and economic footprints in Ghana. Concurrent with the BRICS announcement, President Mahama held high-level discussions with Dr. Jaishankar to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Ghana and India. The President highlighted a robust growth in trade, noting that Ghanaian exports to India have surged from approximately US$3 billion to nearly US$7 billion. These discussions centered on critical sectors including rail development, ICT, and the pharmaceutical industry. To formalize this cooperation, the two nations signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning agriculture, healthcare, and science and technology, further cementing a partnership that dates back to Ghana’s independence. As Ghana prepares its formal application, India has expressed strong support for the nation’s aspirations. The meeting underscored a shared vision for a more equitable global order that discourages unilateralism and addresses common developmental challenges through mutual knowledge exchange. Moving forward, the government expects the BRICS membership to provide greater flexibility in economic decision-making and provide a platform for local manufacturing partnerships, such as vaccine production collaborations already underway with Indian firms. The formal entry process will now depend on the collective consideration of current BRICS member states.

Kojo Fosu Boadu (Kojo Bamba) - First National Vice Chairman of NPP
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NPP Overhauls Leadership Structure and Launches 'Candidate-Scouting' Strategy for 2028 Elections

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has implemented a series of sweeping constitutional amendments and strategic shifts following its national delegates conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Central to these reforms is a new leadership hierarchy that officially designates the party’s presidential candidate as the party leader while in opposition. This move aims to eliminate ambiguity in accountability and streamline command during election cycles. Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, former Speaker of Parliament, clarified that this new role will be subject to oversight from the National Council and the Council of Elders, ensuring the flagbearer does not have an unchecked mandate. Additionally, the party has altered its election process for national vice chairpersons; the three positions will now be contested separately rather than through a single pool, with Kojo Fosu Boadu (Kojo 'Bamba') and Nana Akomea among those newly elected to these key executive roles. Beyond structural changes, the NPP is embarking on a controversial "candidate-scouting" strategy aimed at reclaiming its parliamentary majority in 2028. Championed by flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the National Executive Committee (NEC), this initiative involves a proactive, scientific search for viable candidates in both competitive and "orphan" constituencies—those currently held by the NDC. The party intends to profile potential aspirants based on local demographics to ensure they align with voter preferences before they commit resources to campaigning. Leadership argues this method will curb the growing influence of monetization in internal primaries, which many blame for the party's previous decline from 137 to 88 parliamentary seats. By identifying "winnable" candidates early, the party hopes to avoid the acrimonious internal conflicts and wasteful expenditures that have historically hampered its electoral performance. However, the scouting strategy has sparked significant internal debate, with some grassroots members and political analysts warning it could undermine the party's bottom-up democratic traditions. Critics fear that centralizing candidate identification may lead to favoritism and marginalize local delegates who have traditionally held the power to select their representatives. While the NEC maintains that scouting will complement rather than replace the primary process, concerns persist regarding how the party will balance institutional control with grassroots participation. Simultaneously, party members from the Western Region are calling for greater regional balance in national appointments, urging the leadership to recognize experienced regional figures to ensure a truly national organizational structure. As the NPP moves forward, the success of these reforms will depend on the transparent implementation of the new primary guidelines and the party's ability to maintain unity among its various factions. A comprehensive timetable for parliamentary primaries is expected to be released shortly. With Dr. Bawumia already confirmed as the 2028 flagbearer, the party claims it has secured the "blessing of time" to reorganize its structures and finalize its candidate list well ahead of the next general election. The focus now shifts to whether these constitutional and strategic gambles can effectively neutralize the NDC's current advantage and restore the NPP to government.

A composite photograph featuring a man in tactical gear, identified in news context as Kojo Bamba, at a political gathering. He wears a camouflage outfit, a tactical chest rig, and a cap featuring the NPP elephant logo, gesturing with raised fists in a stadium setting.
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Kojo Bamba Secures NPP First Vice Chairmanship with Security-Centred Campaign Amid Eligibility Debate

Kojo Bamba, a former leader of the pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) group Delta Force, has been elected as the party's First National Vice Chairman after securing 3,116 votes at the National Delegates’ Conference on October 3. His victory has been largely attributed to a "clever" and unique campaign strategy that prioritised party security and election integrity. Nana Akomea, who was elected Third National Vice Chairman in the same contest, noted that while other candidates campaigned on experience and long-term service, Bamba’s message resonated deeply with grassroots members who felt vulnerable. Bamba’s strategy encouraged delegates to pair him with other established candidates to ensure a robust security presence within the party hierarchy, a move Akomea suggested was perfectly timed for the delegates' current concerns. Despite his electoral success, Bamba’s elevation has sparked significant controversy regarding his eligibility. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, and Larry Dogbe, Managing Editor of The Herald, have both criticised the NPP Vetting Committee for clearing Bamba to contest. They pointed to his 2017 conviction for escaping lawful custody and his historical ties to vigilante activities as grounds for disqualification under the party’s constitution. While some critics labeled him an "ex-convict" unsuitable for high office, legal practitioner Austin Brako-Powers and former MP Andrew Egyapa Mercer defended the election. They argued that Bamba’s conviction was a misdemeanor that does not legally bar him from internal party positions and that his mandate reflects the clear will of the party's grassroots base. NPP leadership appears to be looking toward Bamba to bridge the gap between the national executive and the party’s supporters following the 2024 election defeat. Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP Director of Communications, expressed strong confidence in Bamba’s ability to spearhead grassroots mobilisation and "vote protection" for the 2028 general election. Supporters believe Bamba’s influence among the youth and his focus on ballot security will address past electoral vulnerabilities. Brako-Powers further suggested that Bamba’s leadership style is a direct answer to the perceived disconnect that saw many traditional supporters stay home during the last election cycle. As the NPP prepares for its role in the 2028 general elections under the current administration of President John Mahama, the party’s new executive team faces the task of unifying these disparate factions. While Nana Akomea cautioned that Bamba’s win should not be viewed as a signal for the party's ultimate leadership in 2028, the election results clearly indicate a shift toward a more security-conscious and grassroots-oriented organisational structure. The coming months will likely see the party attempt to consolidate this new leadership while managing the public relations challenges posed by the lingering debates over Bamba’s past.

This image is a side-by-side collage featuring two prominent Ghanaian political figures from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). On the left is Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) wearing a blue traditional shirt, and on the right is Nana Akomea in a maroon collared shirt.
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John Boadu Elected NPP National Chairman as Party Pivots Toward 2028 Election Strategy

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully concluded its National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, electing a new suite of national executives tasked with reorganizing the party following its 2024 electoral defeat. John Boadu, the former General Secretary, emerged as the new National Chairman, securing 2,888 votes to defeat his closest rival, Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, who garnered 2,408 votes. The conference, held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, also saw Justin Frimpong Koduah elected as General Secretary and Kwadwo Fosu Boadu as First Vice Chairman. Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) and Nana Akomea were elected as Second and Third Vice Chairmen, respectively, though their formal swearing-in was delayed until a follow-up executive meeting on October 6, 2026, due to logistical challenges during the main event. Analysts have noted that while Boadu’s victory provides the party with experienced leadership, the results revealed a significant desire for a new direction; the combined votes for Boadu’s challengers reached 3,239, indicating that approximately 53% of delegates initially backed alternative candidates. In a notable departure from traditional high-spend campaigning, Nana Akomea revealed that his bid for the vice-chairmanship relied on direct delegate engagement and transport support—providing GH¢400 to each delegate—rather than expensive billboards or posters. Despite the competitive nature of the contests, defeated candidates including Boakye Agyarko have called for the party to "close ranks" and unite behind the new leadership and the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to ensure a cohesive front against the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Looking toward the 2028 general elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia—who is now officially designated as the party leader under new constitutional amendments—announced that the NPP is already developing its governance program three years in advance. He emphasized that the party must learn from the 2024 defeat and engage stakeholders early to build a compelling alternative message to the electorate. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and various regional chairmen echoed these sentiments, urging members to avoid internal sabotage and focus on rebuilding grassroots confidence. Additionally, Chairman Boadu has already begun addressing specific electoral challenges, such as urging former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam to contest the Karaga parliamentary seat again to secure the party's hold on that constituency. The governing NDC, through General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has congratulated the NPP on the successful conduct of its elections, urging the new leadership to prioritize national interests over partisan gains. As the NPP transitions into its role as a proactive opposition, the focus remains on reconciliation and structural reform. With the new executive team now in place, the party aims to leverage the organizational experience of veterans like Boadu while addressing the demands for change voiced by over half of the delegates, all while preparing for the next presidential election in January 2029.