John Boadu and Justin Kodua Lead Polls as NPP Prepares for National Executive Elections in Kumasi

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is finalizing preparations for its National Delegates Conference scheduled for October 3, 2026, at the Kumasi Sports Stadium. The event, which serves as a critical juncture for the party ahead of the 2028 general elections, will be conducted in two phases: a session for proposed constitutional amendments at 9:00 a.m., followed by the election of national officers at 12:00 p.m. To ensure a smooth process, the National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) has established 31 polling stations and mandated that all delegates present valid identification, such as the Ghana Card, Voter ID, or NPP party card, for verification by the Electoral Commission.

Latest polling data suggests a strong preference for experienced leadership among the delegates. Surveys conducted by Global InfoAnalytics and Professor Smart Sarpong of Kumasi Technical University indicate that former General Secretary John Boadu is the frontrunner for the National Chairman position, holding between 46.5% and 48% support, a significant lead over former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko. In the race for General Secretary, incumbent Justin Kodua Frimpong maintains a commanding lead with up to 71% support. Other notable contenders include Titus Glover, who leads the National Organiser race with 56%, and Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), who is vying for the National Vice-Chairperson role while emphasizing his 26 years of service to the party.

Internal party dynamics and constitutional reforms are also taking center stage. Members in the Ashanti Region are strongly advocating for an amendment to make the party's Presidential Candidate the official party leader rather than the National Chairman, arguing this will provide clearer command and unity for the 2028 campaign. This push for structural change aligns with efforts by figures like Paul Afoko, who has initiated outreach to reconcile opposing factions under a "Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture" agenda. Proponents of these changes believe that fostering internal cohesion is essential for the party's effectiveness in the upcoming electoral cycle.

Despite the momentum, the lead-up to the conference has faced several challenges and controversies. The NOEC has had to issue assurances of a free and fair process following concerns raised by Boakye Agyarko’s campaign regarding the TESCON delegates list. Additionally, the party is navigating localized friction, including a protest in the Akyem Swedru constituency where members invoked traditional rituals to oppose executive appointments. The party also remains mindful of personal developments within its ranks, such as the incarceration of former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) and the recent passing of his elder sister, Regina Wiafe Antwi.

As the NPP converges on Kumasi, the focus remains on institutional stability and electoral readiness. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the party's leadership for the next four years but also set the tone for its strategy against the current administration of President John Mahama. With the NOEC and the Electoral Commission overseeing the transition, the NPP aims to emerge from the conference as a unified force, ready to engage the grassroots and prepare for the national stage in 2028.