By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 1, GNA – Four aspirants have so far filed their nominations to contest the National Chairperson position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), ahead of the party’s national executive elections scheduled for October 3, 2026.
They are Paul Afoko, former National Chairman; Boakye Agyarko, former Energy Minister; Sammy Crabbe, former Greater Accra Regional Chairman; and John Boadu, former General Secretary.
The development follows the withdrawal of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, from the contest, reducing the number of aspirants who originally picked nomination forms from five to four.
Mr Boadu formally filed his nomination at the party’s national headquarters in Accra on Thursday, August 27, joining the three aspirants who had earlier completed the process.
Mr Crabbe filed on Monday, followed by Mr Afoko on Tuesday and Mr Agyarko on Wednesday.
The five aspirants had initially picked nomination forms when nominations opened for the national executive elections, with the incumbent National Chairman, Mr Stephen Ayesu Ntim, opting not to seek re-election.
Mr Boasiako, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, announced his withdrawal after what he described as “sober reflection and consultations” with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and supporters.
He said his personal circumstances had informed the decision, adding that he did not want his situation to become an additional burden on the party.
In a statement announcing the decision, Mr Boasiako said the withdrawal was not what he wanted but considered it necessary in the interest of the party.
Meanwhile, the four remaining contenders have outlined their respective visions for leading the NPP as it seeks to reorganise its structures and regain political power.
Mr Afoko, after filing his nomination, pledged to run an inclusive administration that would serve members across factions, regions and generations.
He said the party needed to overcome its internal divisions and unite around a common objective ahead of the 2028 general election.
His campaign is centred on the theme, “Reunite, Reorganise and Recapture.”
Mr Agyarko has also expressed confidence in the NPP’s ability to recover from its current political difficulties and return to government.
He has called on party members not to lose hope, saying the party remained capable of rebuilding itself and supporting the presidential ambitions of its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The NPP’s National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) scheduled the filing period to close on Saturday, August 29, after which the aspirants would undergo vetting.
The vetting is expected to take place from August 31 to September 3, with the final list of qualified candidates expected to emerge after the vetting and any subsequent appeals.
The national executive elections will elect officers to steer the affairs of the party as it prepares for the 2028 general election.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
1 Sept. 2026
Reporter: Edward Acquah
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