By Issah Olegor
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), responding to what he describes as a “clarion call” from party faithful urging him to return to frontline party leadership.
In a statement addressed to party members, particularly grassroots supporters often referred to as “Kukrudites,” Dr. Abdul-Hamid said the decision follows sustained appeals from the rank and file of the party who believe his experience, institutional memory, and strategic insight are needed to help reposition the NPP.
A Political Comeback Amid Controversy
Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s announcement comes at a time when he remains a central figure in an ongoing criminal trial initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over alleged extortion and money laundering within the petroleum sector—charges he has consistently denied.
Despite the legal challenges, the former NPA boss appears to be charting a political comeback, framing his decision not as a personal ambition but as a duty to serve the party that, in his words, “invested in him.”
“This is not an ambition born of personal gain, but a desire to give back to the party,” he stated.
Deep Roots In The NPP
Dr. Abdul-Hamid traced his political journey to the early formation of the NPP in 1992, revealing that he was among the founding members of the party’s University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch under the guidance of the late J.K.B. Spio.
He recounted being present at the historic Victoria Park in Cape Coast on May 18, 1992, when the transformation from the Danquah-Busia Club into the New Patriotic Party was symbolically marked.
Over the years, he has held several key roles within the party, including:
Former National Youth Organizer (first elected to the role)
Aspirant for National Organizer (2001) and General Secretary (2005)
Long-serving Spokesperson for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for over a decade
Deputy National Campaign Manager during the 2020 general elections
Reflecting on his journey, he noted that his political life has been shaped by both victories and defeats, which he says have equipped him with resilience and experience.
Vision for Party Rebuilding
Positioning himself as both a politician and academic, Dr. Abdul-Hamid described himself as a “scholar in the true sense,” adding that he possesses the intellectual capacity to support the leadership of the party.
He pledged to contribute to a broader agenda of re-strategizing, rebuilding, and reorganizing the NPP, stressing that the party must first strengthen itself internally before it can reclaim national political leadership.
“The battle to recover our nation begins from within,” he emphasized.
His message also carried a tone of urgency, calling for unity and renewed purpose among party members ahead of future electoral contests.
Timing And Political Implications
Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s declaration introduces a complex dynamic into the NPP’s internal politics, given the backdrop of his ongoing legal battles. While his supporters view his experience as an asset to the party, critics argue that his candidacy may raise questions about public perception and political strategy.
Nonetheless, his announcement signals a determination to remain active in Ghana’s political landscape, even as the court case involving him and others continues to unfold.
A Call To Action
Ending his statement with the popular phrase, “Victoria Ascerta” (Victory is Certain), Dr. Abdul-Hamid appealed to party members to rally behind a renewed vision for the NPP.
With nominations yet to open, his entry into the race is expected to spark debate within the party and set the stage for what could become a highly contested internal election.
