John Boadu addressing the party supporters
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has pledged to unite, reorganise and rebuild the party ahead of the 2028 general election.
Mr. Boadu, who described his decision as a response to what he considers a critical moment in the party’s history, said the NPP needs experienced leadership capable of restoring discipline, strengthening its structures and activating its electoral machinery.
Addressing party supporters and delegates after submitting his nomination last week, he recalled the difficult period between 2014 and 2015 when the NPP, according to him, was deeply divided and struggling with internal disagreements.
He said the party had lost key members of its national leadership at the time, including the National Chairman, General Secretary and Second Vice Chairman.
“When the leadership entrusted me with additional responsibility as Acting General Secretary and Director of Operations for the 2016 elections, I knew exactly what was at stake. It was not about John Boadu. It was not about personal ambition. It was about saving our party,” he said.
Mr. Boadu said he worked with party members to rebuild the organisation, mobilise its structures and prepare it for the 2016 elections.
He pointed to the NPP’s parliamentary performance in that election, saying the party increased its parliamentary seats from 122 in 2012 to 169 in 2016.
According to him, the achievement was the result of hard work, organisation, discipline, strategy and teamwork rather than luck.
He argued that the experience demonstrated that a united and disciplined NPP could overcome significant political challenges.
“When the NPP is united, organised and disciplined, there is no political mountain we cannot climb,” he said.
Mr. Boadu also highlighted the party’s performance in the 2020 elections, noting that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPP retained the presidency with what he described as an unprecedented 6.7 million votes.
Calls for Experienced Leadership
Making a case for his candidature, Mr. Boadu said the NPP could not afford to experiment with its leadership at a critical period.
He said the party needed a chairman with a deep understanding of its structures, from the grassroots to the national level, as well as knowledge of electoral strategy.
“I know elections. I understand elections. I know how to win elections. If this party truly wants power, I am your man,” he declared.
He also stressed his working relationships with former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as his longstanding relationship with the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr. Boadu said he had worked with Dr. Bawumia for many years, including serving as one of his early spokespersons when he became running mate to then NPP flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2008.
He expressed confidence that, if elected National Chairman, he would build a harmonious and productive relationship with Dr. Bawumia and his team.
Five-Point Agenda
Mr. Boadu outlined a five-point agenda which he said would form the foundation of his administration if elected.
The agenda focuses on: unity and reconciliation; rebuilding and rebranding the party, with the restoration of discipline; mobilising sustainable resources for the party; strengthening party structures and internal security; and activating the winning machinery of the NPP.
He further expressed concern about the difficulties facing some young NPP activists, including social media activists and TikTokers whom he said had faced arrests and intimidation for defending the party’s values.
He pledged not to become a National Chairman who remained in Accra while neglecting polling station executives and grassroots members across the country.
“I am promising you a chairman who will listen. A chairman who will unite. A chairman who will defend the party. A chairman who will work with everyone,” he said.
Mr. Boadu concluded by saying his ultimate objective would be to help make Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia President of Ghana on January 7, 2029.
“We have done it before. We know what it takes. And together, we will do it again,” he said.