The contest for the position of First National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP] is set to become more competitive following the decision by former Minister of Information and immediate past Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC), Nana Akomea, to formally enter the race.
Nana Akomea has declared his intention to contest the position as the NPP begins the process of electing a new crop of national officers to lead the party through its reorganisation and preparations for the 2028 general elections.
His decision introduces another experienced political figure into a race in which several aspirants had already begun mobilising support, making the First Vice Chairman position one of the closely watched contests in the party’s upcoming national elections.
Some of the aspirants are Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, for National Petroleum Authority (NPA) chief Executive, Henry Nana Boakye, aka Nana B, National Organiser, Sam Payne, former Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Stephen Abankwa Yeboah, former Kumsai Metropolitan Chief Executive among others.
Akomea’s decision to seek the First Vice Chairman position brings a veteran political figure into the NPP’s emerging leadership battle.
He previously served as Minister of Information and has remained active in the party’s political and communication circles over the years. His experience in government, party politics and public communication is expected to form a major part of his campaign as delegates consider candidates for the next national executive team.
His entry is being viewed as relatively late compared with some of the other aspirants who have already been campaigning for the position.
However, supporters of the move argue that the late entry could make the contest more competitive by adding another experienced candidate to the field at a time when the NPP is looking for leaders capable of rebuilding the party after its electoral setback.
Nana Akomea’s decision also represents a departure from his approach during the NPP’s previous national executive contests.
In 2018, he reportedly indicated that he had been a strong contender for the Vice Chairman position but chose not to pursue the contest, citing considerations surrounding ethnic diversity in the party’s leadership structure.
His return to the race this time therefore marks a significant change in his approach to the party’s national executive elections.
The current contest comes under different circumstances, with the NPP seeking to reorganise its structures and strengthen its grassroots base ahead of another major electoral battle in 2028.
Even before the formal declaration, Akomea’s prospective candidacy has attracted support from some prominent members and figures associated with the party.
Among those reported to have endorsed his bid is Dr Dacosta Aboagye, former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
About the Author
