Boakye Agyarko flanked by some supporters of NPP
Former Energy Minister and aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Agyarko, has promised to lead the party to secure victory for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2028 presidential election and restore the party’s majority in Parliament if elected National Chairman.
Addressing over fifty constituency chairmen and the media after filing his nomination forms at the party’s headquarters in Accra, he said his vision was anchored on what he described as “Operation One Touch,” a strategy aimed at achieving two victories in one election; electing Dr. Bawumia as President and restoring the parliamentary majority.
“On 3rd October, if you are satisfied, give me the mandate. And do not give it to me for my sake. Give it to me to deliver ‘Operation One Touch.’ Operation One Touch is simple. One touch, two victories.
“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be sworn in as President of the Republic of Ghana, and the Majority restored to our side of the House in Parliament. A President without a Majority is a driver without a road. We must win both, and we must win them together, in one touch,” he stated.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed that he would provide Dr. Bawumia with the organisational support required to secure victory.
“To Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, I offer this commitment. A flagbearer leads the charge, but only an organised party delivers the victory. You will never have to look over your shoulder. You will have a disciplined machine, a united front from Pusiga to Prampram, and a National Chairman whose only agenda is your success and this party’s return to office,” he stressed.
He acknowledged the NPP’s decline in parliamentary representation, noting that the party’s seats had reduced from 169 in 2016 to 137 in 2020 and further down to 88 in the 2024 general election.
According to him, the party’s presidential vote deficit in 2024 reflected a deeper disconnect between the NPP and some sections of the electorate, especially traders, teachers, farmers, drivers and young graduates who once queued in the sun for the party.
“The Elephant is wounded. But hear me clearly: a wounded elephant is still an elephant. Our tradition is sound. Our ideas are sound. What we lost was not our creed. What we lost was the discipline of tending it,” he said.
He highlighted his experience in banking, politics and public service, citing his 22 years at the Bank of New York, where he rose to the position of Vice President, as well as his roles as a founding member of the NPP, National Campaign Manager in 2012, Policy Adviser and Cabinet Minister.
Mr. Agyarko also outlined five key commitments he would pursue if elected National Chairman, including ensuring unity within the party, creating a credible membership register, improving financial accountability, reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening party structures.
He said the party’s transition to a one-member, one-vote system following a Supreme Court directive required a transparent and reliable membership register.
Mr. Agyarko also called for unity among party members, stressing that the NPP must remain a home for all supporters regardless of background or religion.
“We are a broad tradition. Christian and Muslim. North and south. The veteran who stood in the rain in 1992 and the student who joined us last year. The Elephant is large enough to carry all of them, and it must,” he stated.
“The register is no longer a filing cabinet. The register is now the ballot,” he said, pledging to ensure that every party member was properly registered, verified and able to participate in internal elections.
He further urged members of the party to avoid internal attacks during the chairmanship contest, insisting that the position of National Chairman was meant to unite rather than divide the party.
Mr. Agyarko reiterated his commitment to supporting Dr. Bawumia’s presidential bid to lead the charge and deliver victory to the NPP in 2028.
BY Ebenezer K. Amponsah
