By Daniel Bampoe
The race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national chairmanship has officially begun, setting the stage for one of the fiercest internal contests in the party’s recent history
With the NPP seeking to regroup after its 2024 electoral defeat, five prominent figures have emerged as possible contenders — Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, John Boadu, Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi, Stephen Asamoah Boateng (Asabee), and Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah.
Tight Race Ahead
According to party insiders, the competition is expected to be particularly intense between former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko and former NPP General Secretary John Boadu, both of whom have strong records of service and deep connections within the party.
The other contenders — Chairman Wontumi, Asamoah Boateng, and Abankwah-Yeboah — are also seasoned party stalwarts bringing unique credentials and loyal constituencies to the table.
This chairmanship election is seen as pivotal for the NPP, which faces the challenge of reorganizing its grassroots, restoring unity, and preparing for the 2028 general elections after losing power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2024.
Boakye Agyarko: The Strategist Returns
Former Energy Minister Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko was initially angling for the party’s flagbearership race before switching to the National Chairmanship after the clamour from the grassroots.
In a statement released on September 30, 2025, Boakye Agyarko said his decision came after extensive consultations with family, close associates, and key stakeholders across the country.
“This is not about ambition but a call of duty,” Agyarko said. “The grassroots have spoken, and I am responding to their call to help rebuild the NPP and prepare it for victory in 2028.”
Boakye Agyarko, who previously contested the NPP’s presidential primaries in 2023 but exited after the Super Delegates Conference, said he has now shifted focus to strengthening the party’s structures instead of pursuing personal ambition.
His declaration reportedly gained momentum during the NPP Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference in Kumasi in June 2025, where several party executives chanted “National Chairman!” after his speech — an early sign of growing grassroots support.
John Boadu: The Party Loyalist Stages a Comeback
Former NPP General Secretary John Boadu has also thrown his hat into the ring, declaring his intention on November 8, 2025.
John Boadu, who has served the party for more than three decades, said the NPP was “at a crossroads” and in need of tested leadership.
“The NPP has lost touch with some of its strongest constituencies — the youth, business community, and middle class. It is time to rebuild and restore the party to its former glory,” he said.
John Boadu, who oversaw the NPP’s 2016 and 2020 election victories, argued that his experience as Director of Operations and later General Secretary makes him the most qualified to lead. Under his leadership, the NPP achieved its highest ever electoral votes — 6.7 million in 2020 — and developed the pioneering Pink Sheet Tracking System used to monitor polling station results.
He has pledged to focus on five key pillars: reconciliation and unity, rebranding the party, empowering internal structures, mobilizing sustainable resources, and modernizing campaign strategies through technology and data analytics.
Chairman Wontumi: The Grassroots Mobilizer
The Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, also confirmed his intention to contest the national chairmanship on May 5, 2025, during an interview on Wontumi TV.
He described his ambition as spiritually inspired, stating, “I have spoken to God and begged Him for favour so I can serve the party and help win power again in 2028.”
Wontumi, who has been one of the most vocal regional chairmen since 2016, is known for his strong grassroots mobilization and fundraising abilities.
Despite recent controversies, including court cases surrounding the Tano Nimiri Forest issue, he remains a significant force in the NPP, especially in the Ashanti Region, the party’s stronghold.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng
Former Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, popularly known as Asabee, is also returning to the race after previously contesting in 2022. Asabee insists that his organizational skills and on-the-ground experience make him the best person to lead the NPP.
Speaking on Joy News’ “The Probe”, he said, “I stand tall above the rest. I am a field commander and an organizer in every sense. I will win 51 marginal seats lost to the NDC and reclaim power.”
Asabee has outlined seven strategies aimed at rebuilding the NPP’s campaign machinery and “breaking the eight-year cycle” that has historically seen governments change after two terms.
Abankwah-Yeboah: The Financial Strategist
Former National Treasurer Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah, who also contested in the 2022 race but lost to Stephen Ntim, has once again declared his readiness to serve.
He said the party must “gather strength and resources to overcome challenges” as it prepares to return to power.
A Party at a Defining Moment
The upcoming 2026 national delegates’ conference promises to be a defining moment for the NPP.
Analysts believe the outcome of the chairmanship race will determine how effectively the party can reorganize and position itself to challenge the ruling NDC in 2028.
