The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana is facing a barrage of criticism from within its own ranks as the 2026 flagbearership race approaches. Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, founder of the UP Tradition Institute, has launched a stinging critique of the party’s Economic Management Team (EMT), accusing it of neglecting the Ashanti Region, the NPP’s traditional stronghold and a critical contributor to its electoral successes over the past eight years. Dr. Opoku’s accusations center on the EMT’s perceived failure to deliver on key infrastructure projects and its mismanagement of the national economy, leading to widespread hardship.
Dr. Opoku’s indictment of the EMT focuses heavily on the lack of significant infrastructure development in the Ashanti Region despite the region’s consistent electoral loyalty to the NPP. He highlights a litany of stalled or unfulfilled projects that have become symbols of frustration for residents, including the Krofrom Market, the Afari Military Hospital, the long-delayed Maternity and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the Kejetia Market Phase II, and the Boankra Inland Port. The absence of even a single completed interchange in the region, according to Dr. Opoku, represents a profound and “embarrassing neglect” considering the Ashanti Region’s outsized contribution to the NPP’s electoral victories. This perceived lack of investment stands in stark contrast to the region’s political significance and raises questions about the equitable distribution of resources and the government’s commitment to its most loyal constituents.
Beyond the regional focus, Dr. Opoku broadens his criticism to encompass the EMT’s overall handling of the Ghanaian economy. He points to the precipitous decline of the cedi against the dollar, which has reached GH₵17, and the soaring inflation that has eroded the purchasing power of ordinary Ghanaians. He also condemns the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange programme, arguing that it has unfairly penalized pensioners, traders, and investors, further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by many. These economic woes, combined with the perceived neglect of the Ashanti Region, form the basis of Dr. Opoku’s harsh assessment of the EMT’s performance.
Looking ahead to the NPP’s internal elections and the 2026 general elections, Dr. Opoku calls for greater accountability from the party leadership. He urges delegates to demand concrete answers and timelines for major infrastructure projects that have yet to commence, including the Anloga Junction, Bekwai Roundabout, and Santasi interchanges, as well as updates on the progress of other pending projects such as the Suame and Sofoline interchanges, the Kumasi–Sunyani Road, and the crucial Accra–Kumasi highway. His emphasis on tangible progress underscores the importance of delivering visible results to maintain the trust and support of the electorate.
Furthermore, Dr. Opoku’s criticism extends to the NPP’s own organizational infrastructure. He questions the party’s failure to establish a befitting regional headquarters in the Ashanti Region and a modern national secretariat, arguing that a ruling party of the NPP’s stature should project an image of strength and influence through its own physical presence. This observation reflects a broader concern about the party’s internal organization and its ability to effectively mobilize and represent its constituents.
In a direct challenge to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who heads the EMT, Dr. Opoku demands an accounting for what he perceives as glaring failures and broken promises in the party’s stronghold. He frames his critique as a wake-up call to the NPP, urging delegates not to remain “blind and quiet” but to demand accountability from the leadership as the party navigates a crucial election year. This call for accountability resonates with the growing concern within the party about maintaining its electoral dominance in the face of economic challenges and potential internal divisions. Dr. Opoku’s outspoken criticism serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing regional disparities, delivering on promises, and maintaining the trust of the electorate, particularly in a region as crucial to the NPP’s success as the Ashanti Region. The party’s response to these criticisms will likely play a significant role in shaping the political landscape leading up to the 2026 elections.
