The New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ghana finds itself at a critical juncture following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. A prominent strategist within the Bryan Acheampong for President 2028 campaign, Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, has issued a stark warning: the party’s current structure is too fragile to support a successful comeback in 2028. He argues that a drastic overhaul of the party’s internal machinery is essential, advocating for a bottom-up restructuring before any discussions about a presidential candidate begin. This call for reform reflects a growing unease within the party ranks, highlighting the need for rebuilding trust and unity from the grassroots level. Dr. Opoku’s intervention underscores the importance of prioritizing internal reform over premature presidential ambitions.
Dr. Opoku’s criticism centers on what he describes as an “extremely weak” internal party structure. He emphasizes the urgent need for “bottom-top structure elections” and the development of a “serious, committed electioneering army.” His argument is that a robust, well-organized grassroots base is paramount for a successful campaign, and that focusing on selecting a presidential candidate before addressing these fundamental weaknesses is putting the cart before the horse. He believes that rebuilding the party’s foundation should be the primary focus, starting with empowering local chapters and rebuilding trust with the electorate. This foundational work, he argues, is a prerequisite for any hope of regaining power in the next election cycle.
The timing of Dr. Opoku’s remarks is significant. As various factions within the NPP begin maneuvering for influence in the lead-up to the 2028 elections, his call for structural reform serves as a timely reminder of the party’s internal challenges. The jockeying for position and the potential for internal divisions could further destabilize the party, making Dr. Opoku’s emphasis on unity and rebuilding all the more crucial. His message resonates with a broader sentiment within the Bryan Acheampong campaign, which has positioned itself as a force for renewal and discipline within the NPP. This alignment suggests that Dr. Opoku’s views may represent a significant current of opinion within the party.
Adding to the significance of this moment is the upcoming National Delegates Conference, scheduled for July 18th and 19th, 2025. This conference, to be held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, is poised to be a pivotal event for the NPP’s future. With over 5,000 delegates expected to attend, the conference will bring together national party executives, regional coordinators, constituency leaders, and grassroots representatives. This gathering offers an opportunity for the party to address the concerns raised by Dr. Opoku and others and to chart a course for recovery. The decisions made at this conference will heavily influence the NPP’s policy direction and internal reforms as they prepare for the 2028 election cycle.
The Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu (Joe Wise), has assured stakeholders that meticulous logistical and security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and productive conference. He has emphasized the importance of the conference in shaping the NPP’s future. The gathering represents a chance for the party to engage in critical self-reflection, address its internal weaknesses, and develop a coherent strategy for regaining public trust and electoral success. The conference’s outcome will likely reveal whether the party leadership is willing to embrace the kind of fundamental reforms advocated by Dr. Opoku.
The central question facing the NPP is whether it will heed the warnings of individuals like Dr. Opoku and prioritize internal reform before focusing on presidential ambitions. The party faces a choice: continue with business as usual, potentially leading to another electoral defeat, or embrace a period of introspection and restructuring, focusing on rebuilding from the grassroots up. The upcoming National Delegates Conference offers a crucial opportunity to choose the latter path. The conference will be a testing ground for the party’s willingness to confront its shortcomings and embrace the necessary changes to ensure its future viability. The decisions made at this conference will be pivotal in determining whether the NPP can effectively address its internal challenges and mount a successful campaign in 2028.
