The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is grappling with deep-seated internal divisions that threaten to undermine its prospects in the 2028 general elections. Nana Akomea, Vice Chairman of the 2024 Bawumia Campaign Team, has voiced serious concerns about the persistent factionalism within the party, particularly following its defeat in the 2024 elections. The rivalry between camps supporting different flagbearer aspirants has intensified, creating a climate of distrust and hindering the party’s ability to present a united front. Akomea warns that unless these divisions are addressed, the NPP risks losing credibility with the electorate and jeopardizing its chances of regaining power.
The party’s recent “thank-you” tour, intended to project an image of unity and reconciliation, inadvertently exposed the extent of the internal strife. The inclusion of all former flagbearer contenders, including Kennedy Agyapong, was meant to symbolize a shared commitment to the party’s future. However, the tour quickly devolved into a competition for influence and dominance among the various factions. Each stop became a stage for carefully orchestrated displays of loyalty and power plays, exacerbating the existing tensions rather than fostering unity. This internal struggle undermined the tour’s purpose and highlighted the deep fractures within the party.
Akomea pointed to a near-clash between rival supporters in Bantama, Ashanti Region, as a stark illustration of the simmering tensions. This incident, he argues, is not an isolated event but a symptom of a broader pattern of internal conflict. He further linked the internal strife to the recent arrest and detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. Akomea alleges that internal power struggles may have influenced the timing and handling of Wontumi’s bail, suggesting that some party members prioritized factional interests over the welfare of a prominent party leader.
The thank-you tour itself was delayed to allow the party’s internal review committee to finalize its report on the 2024 electoral defeat. The tour was designed to re-establish party solidarity, particularly by showcasing a unified front with all former flagbearer aspirants. However, the reality on the ground revealed a fragmented party struggling with internal rivalries. The noble intention of the tour was overshadowed by the conduct of party members, demonstrating that unity requires more than symbolic gestures; it demands discipline, shared purpose, and a genuine commitment to reconciliation.
Akomea urged the party leadership to take decisive action to rebuild trust, improve communication, and discourage personalized campaigns that exacerbate divisions. He emphasized the need for a more disciplined and focused approach, contrasting the NPP’s disarray with the seemingly more unified approach of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during their own thank-you tour. Akomea stressed that the Ghanaian electorate perceives the NPP’s internal chaos, which could significantly impact their voting decisions. He posed a critical question: “What does the Ghanaian voter see when they look at us now? Unity, or chaos?” This question underscores the importance of addressing the internal divisions to regain public trust and present a credible alternative to the ruling party.
With the 2028 elections approaching, Akomea’s warning serves as a wake-up call for the NPP. The party’s internal divisions pose a serious threat to its electoral prospects. Unless the leadership takes concrete steps to address the root causes of the conflict and foster genuine reconciliation, the NPP risks handing the 2028 elections to its opponents. The party must prioritize unity, discipline, and a shared vision to regain the trust of the electorate and offer a viable path forward for the nation. The future of the NPP hinges on its ability to overcome these internal challenges and present itself as a united and cohesive force capable of governing effectively.
