NPP in Crisis: Akwatia Defeat Exposes Weak Leadership and Urgent Call for Restructuring

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) recent loss in Akwatia is being interpreted as a painful reminder of the goodwill the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rode on in the 2024 elections, and a glaring sign of weak leadership within the ruling party. Many party insiders and observers argue that the current NPP executives are not fit for purpose, calling for their immediate resignation and the formation of an interim leadership to restore discipline, unity, and focus ahead of the 2028 elections.

A Weak Executive, A Party at Risk

Critics insist that the NPP’s leadership vacuum is the root cause of its string of electoral disappointments. Calls are growing louder for the current executives to step aside honorably, paving the way for interim executives who can reorganize and oversee the election of credible national, regional, and constituency executives. Without this restructuring, the NPP risks further disintegration and eventual defeat in 2028.

Kwabena Agyapong: Chairman, Not President

Party elders and grassroots voices are urging Kwabena Agyapong to abandon his presidential ambitions and instead vie for the position of National Chairman. Analysts believe he is best placed to enforce discipline, restructure the party machinery, and restore confidence in the NPP brand. His leadership, they argue, could neutralize factional fights and bring back the cohesion needed to challenge the NDC’s growing influence.

Unity Like a Broom

Observers stress that the NPP can only win future elections if it finds genuine unity—not forced camaraderie, but a disciplined agreement to rally behind whichever candidate emerges victorious in primaries. The party must root out the so-called “babies with sharp teeth” who spread divisions and poison the discourse. According to analysts, these elements within the party are as dangerous as external political rivals.

Ken or Bawumia Alone Cannot Win 2028

The 2028 elections, experts argue, cannot be won on the strength of individual candidates such as Kennedy Agyapong or Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Victory lies in a united front, an energized base, and a clear vision that resonates with ordinary Ghanaians. Unless the NPP restructures and consolidates its ranks, the NDC will continue to exploit internal weakness to retain power.

NDC’s So-Called Gains and IMF Reality Check

Supporters of the NPP dismiss claims of economic progress under John Mahama’s NDC government. They argue that the much-touted cedi stabilization was artificial—merely the result of pumping central government funds into the market while ignoring IMF advice. This temporary relief has now collapsed, with the IMF cautioning the NDC administration, leading to renewed cedi depreciation. Critics insist Ghana’s economic salvation lies in empowering local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through soft loans, secured with Ghana Cards, and a strict blacklist system for defaulters.

Lessons from Burkina Faso

Commentators point to Burkina Faso as an example of a government redirecting resources away from wasteful political spending toward meaningful growth and development. Ghana, they argue, can learn from this paradigm shift and invest in sustainable projects that create jobs and strengthen the economy.

Abandoned Projects and Lost Opportunities

The NPP faithful are particularly incensed at the Mahama administration’s failure to continue critical development projects such as Akufo-Addo’s Agenda 111 hospitals. They argue that politics should not determine progress—completing these projects could position Ghana for “hospital tourism,” serving neighboring countries like Togo.

Why NPP Must Return

Despite recent missteps, party loyalists insist that the NPP remains the only political tradition that has delivered meaningful development in the Fourth Republic. From infrastructure to education and health, the NPP’s track record stands tall against the NDC’s. For this reason, many believe the party must urgently regroup, restructure, and return to power to restore Ghana’s development trajectory.

Editorial View: Unless the NPP leadership acts decisively—dismissing incompetent executives, installing new leadership, and rallying around unity—the party risks ceding 2028 to an NDC government that has yet to deliver any meaningful progress in its current term. The broom of unity must sweep away internal enemies before it can sweep back into power.