New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful, Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, says he is determined to help the party end its time in opposition and return to power in the 2028 general elections.
Mr Agyarko, a former Energy Minister, believes the NPP is currently on what he describes as a “lost road” and requires strong leadership to unite its members, rebuild its structures and restore confidence in the party.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he said his decision to contest the National Chairmanship race is largely driven by his desire to lead the NPP back to power.
“If this is what the people want, why not? I am happy with how they believe in me. I know the chairman I can be. It’s like we are on a lost road, so we need someone that can guide and unite us to return us back to glory,” he said.
According to Mr Agyarko, the NPP lacked the energy and enthusiasm required to mount a strong campaign ahead of the 2024 elections, resulting in widespread demoralisation among its members.
“For me, 2028, we need to lift this party. There was no energy going into the 2024 elections. The party wasn’t energised. Every election is different and we need to train ourselves. There was a general demoralisation,” he stated.
He said the party must critically examine the mistakes that contributed to its defeat in the 2024 elections and take corrective measures ahead of the next election.
“What is important is going forward and fixing all our excesses so that 2028 we either win or win,” he said.
“I am tired of being in opposition”
Mr Agyarko said he is particularly motivated by the prospect of ending the NPP’s stay in opposition, declaring that he is already tired of being on the losing side of Ghana’s political contest.
“I am tired of being in opposition, so me as chairman will do anything right to make us win,” he stated.
His comment comes less than two years after the NPP lost the 2024 presidential election, which saw John Dramani Mahama return to the presidency.
Mr Agyarko, however, insists that the party must not allow its recent defeat to discourage its members, arguing that previous failures should instead provide valuable lessons for future success.
“To succeed, you may have failed before, and it is what instructs you on how to succeed,” he said.
Agyarko confident in his leadership
Despite his age, Mr Agyarko said he remains energetic and believes his experience and knowledge make him capable of leading the party as National Chairman.
“Even at 70, I am still gallant. I have the experience and enthusiasm and the knowledge,” he said.
He further stressed that the NPP’s ambition must extend beyond winning the support of its own members, insisting that the party must regain the respect and confidence of the wider Ghanaian electorate.
“We must be able to command the respect of Ghanaians, not just party people,” he stated.
Mr Agyarko said his ultimate motivation for seeking the chairmanship position is to secure victory for the NPP in 2028.
“My motivation is to win 2028. I have the strength, courage and wisdom. I am very passionate about the NPP,” he stated.
He explained that the National Chairman has a crucial role to play in providing strategic direction and mobilising party members to implement the party’s plans.
“As chairman, your large task is strategic input and mobilisation of people to do the work,” he added.
