Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has officially declared his intention to contest the position of National Chairman of the party when nominations open in 2026.

The announcement, made through a detailed press release issued on November 8, 2025, comes at a time when the NPP faces internal challenges following its loss in the 2024 general elections.

Party At Crossroads

Addressing party faithful, media representatives, and supporters, Boadu said the NPP finds itself “at a critical crossroads” after moving into opposition.

He lamented that the party had “lost touch with many vital stakeholders” who once formed its solid support base — including the youth, business community, academia, the clergy, traditional rulers, and civil society actors.

He pointed out that the NPP’s parliamentary strength had drastically declined from 169 seats in 2016 and 137 seats in 2020, to just 87 seats, representing 31.5 percent of the current legislature.

According to him, this steep decline signals the urgent need for introspection and reform within the party’s ranks.

John Boadu also raised concerns about what he described as a “culture of silence” under the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that several NPP members were being victimized through arrests, dismissals, and unfair treatment in their workplaces since the party left office.

A Call for Restoration

The former General Secretary emphasized that restoring the NPP’s strength and credibility was not only a political necessity but also a national duty. Citing biblical passages from Psalms and Isaiah, he said his motivation to lead the party was anchored in faith and service — positioning himself as “a restorer of broken walls” who will rebuild the NPP’s foundations.

“After broad consultations with founding fathers, the Council of Elders, party executives, and grassroots supporters, I have decided to contest for the position of National Chairman of our great party,” Boadu declared. “This is a call to rebuild, rebrand, and reconnect with the Ghanaian people.”

Why He’s Running

In outlining his reasons for contesting, Boadu likened the party to a “vehicle that needs a tested driver.”

He argued that while flagbearers play key roles in electoral victories, a strong, well-managed party structure is the true engine that powers success.

“This moment in our party’s history is not a time for experiments,” he said. “At every turning point, a special kind of leader is required — one who has been tried, tested, and proven through years of service and sacrifice.”

John Boadu, who boasts over 30 years of active service within the NPP, traced his journey from polling station chairman in 1996 to General Secretary from 2018 to 2022, making him one of the party’s longest-serving national officers.

He highlighted his involvement in numerous capacities including National Youth Organiser, Director of Finance, Deputy Communications Director, and National Organiser — experiences he described as “years of sacrifice, learning, and winning.”

His Achievements

John Boadu credited his leadership for some of the NPP’s most notable electoral successes. He cited:

The 2016 and 2020 presidential victories, where he served as Director of Operations and later as General Secretary.

The 6.7 million votes recorded in 2020 — the highest in Ghana’s political history.

The 169 parliamentary seats won in 2016, the NPP’s best performance since the return to multiparty democracy.

The development of the Pink Sheet Tracking System, an electoral innovation that helped the party collate its own results within six hours in 2020, a record in Africa.

The introduction of monthly subventions for all constituencies and regional offices — the first of its kind in the party’s history.

“These achievements are not coincidences,” Boadu stated. “They are the results of hard work, experience, dedication, and tested leadership.”

Five-Point Vision for the Party

If elected National Chairman, Boadu said his administration would pursue five strategic pillars:

1. Reconciliation and Unity Agenda – Healing internal divisions and restoring trust among all party members.

2. Rebranding and Public Confidence – Strengthening the party’s image and rebuilding relationships with the youth, middle class, and civil society.

3. Empowering Party Structures – Ensuring functional organs at every level and improving internal security to protect electoral interests.

4. Sustainable Resource Mobilization – Establishing transparent and reliable funding systems.

5. Modernizing Campaign Strategies – Using data analytics, digital tools, and artificial intelligence to enhance the party’s 2028 election strategy.

A Look Ahead to 2028

John Boadu described the upcoming 2028 general election as “one of the most critical in Ghana’s political history,” warning that the NPP cannot afford to gamble with inexperienced leadership.

“At this decisive moment, what the party needs is experience, stability, and unity — a leadership that can unite all factions and restore hope to our grassroots,” he said.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the NPP would recover from its current challenges, saying, “We may be going through difficult times now, but this storm will pass. Together, we shall make the NPP great again and win the 2028 elections.”

The declaration marks Boadu’s official return to frontline politics after losing his position as General Secretary in 2022 to Justin Kodua Frimpong. His comeback bid is expected to spark a competitive race within the NPP as the party prepares to reorganize for the 2028 polls.