NPP and NDC Internal Contests Intensify as Leadership Aspirants and Policy Debates Shape Path to 2028 Elections

The Ghanaian political landscape is witnessing a surge in internal activities as both the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gear up for their respective regional and national leadership contests. In the NPP, the Ashanti Regional chairmanship race has emerged as a critical battleground, with 34 candidates cleared for elections scheduled for August 15, 2026. The contest is primarily a showdown between Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA), who advocates for "less talk and more action," and Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the former EPA Chief Executive. Meanwhile, Paul Afoko, an aspirant for the NPP National Chairmanship, has re-emerged on the political scene, calling for party unity to reclaim power while clarifying that his business interests in the Kempinski Hotel are investment-based rather than outright ownership. This period of reorganization extends to the diaspora, with the NPP-USA branch preparing for its delegates conference in Massachusetts to elect new executives ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Simultaneously, internal dynamics within the NDC are being shaped by both new candidacies and disciplinary measures. Jerry Stanley Awude has declared his intention to run for the Deputy Constituency Secretary position in Ho Central, focusing on competence and accessibility. However, the party's Functional Executive Committee recently suspended the Awutu Senya East Constituency Chairman, Stephen Ofosu Agyare, for five months following a petition from MP Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor. Amidst these internal maneuvers, NDC communicator Roger TD Wills has observed that the Ghanaian electorate has become more discerning due to the prevalence of social media and AI, urging leaders to communicate with greater transparency. Additionally, NDC legal team member Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu has critiqued the effectiveness of speech-related prosecutions, following the conviction of a TikToker for offensive conduct toward President John Mahama, suggesting that such laws may require public review to prevent political weaponization.

Accountability and institutional performance have also become central themes of political discourse. Dr. Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, has strongly rejected a performance ranking by Global InfoAnalytics that labeled him a low performer. Amoah described the survey as "dangerous and misleading," arguing that it fails to account for his legislative contributions and local development initiatives, such as health funds and library projects. In response, Mussa Dankwah of Global InfoAnalytics maintained that low ratings serve as a vital warning for MPs to improve their visibility and engagement with constituents. The debate underscores a broader call from civil society, with Dr. Rasheed Draman of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) advocating for urgent campaign finance reforms and cautioning Parliament against declaring seats vacant based on arrests alone, specifically citing the case of Independent MP Ohene Kwame Frimpong.

As both major parties navigate these leadership transitions and public scrutinies, the focus remains firmly on strengthening grassroots structures and party unity. Candidates like Collins Asante, vying for the NPP Greater Accra Regional Organiser role, and Madam Janet Adade in the Guan Constituency, are emphasizing loyalty and collective action as the keys to electoral success in 2028. These internal developments, coupled with calls for more transparent governance and the rising influence of digital information, suggest a highly competitive and transformative period for Ghanaian politics as the nation looks toward its next major democratic milestone.