Ghana’s political landscape is beginning to witness a growing interest from media personalities seeking to transition from broadcasting and public commentary into active parliamentary politics ahead of the 2028 general elections.
At least five prominent media practitioners have publicly declared their intentions to contest parliamentary seats, with four seeking to secure tickets under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the other one under National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The development highlights the growing involvement of media figures in partisan politics, as the individuals prepare to test their popularity and political influence in their respective constituencies.
Among the personalities who have announced their parliamentary ambitions is popular broadcaster and political commentator Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah.
Afrifa-Mensah has declared his intention to contest the Afigya Sekyere East parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.
His decision marks a possible transition from his career in broadcasting and political commentary to frontline electoral politics. He is expected to seek the party’s endorsement through its parliamentary primary before pursuing the seat in the 2028 general elections.
Another prominent broadcaster seeking to enter Parliament is Captain Smart, the presenter of Onua TV.
Captain Smart initially expressed interest in contesting the Gomoa West parliamentary seat as an independent candidate but subsequently disclosed his intention to contest the National Democratic Congress parliamentary primary.
His decision has attracted attention, given his established presence in Ghana’s media landscape and his frequent commentary on national political and governance issues.
Lawyer and Kessben media personality Ohene Amankwah-Gyan has also joined the growing list of media personalities seeking parliamentary representation.
He has announced his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary in the Berekum East Constituency in the Bono Region.
His ambition adds another familiar media personality to the list of prospective parliamentary contenders preparing for the NPP’s internal electoral process ahead of 2028.
Former Joy News presenter Samuel Kojo Brace, popularly known as Ahanta Pele, is also eyeing a seat in Parliament.
Brace has declared his intention to contest the NPP parliamentary primary in the Ahanta West Constituency.
According to reports, his decision was influenced by his interactions with residents and appeals from people within the constituency for him to represent their interests in Parliament.
He is therefore seeking the endorsement of the New Patriotic Party to become its parliamentary candidate for Ahanta West in the next general elections.
The fifth personality is former Oman FM presenter Stephen Fiifi Boafo, who has also announced his intention to contest the NPP parliamentary primary in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency.
Boafo, who previously served as Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), is seeking to translate his experience in media and corporate communications into parliamentary representation.His declaration places him among the personalities seeking to secure the NPP’s nomination for the 2028 elections.
The five declarations come as political parties and prospective candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general elections.
While the individuals have announced their respective ambitions, their immediate challenge will be securing the necessary party endorsements where they intend to contest on established party tickets.
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