Former National Organizer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Chairman of the Diaspora Mobilization Team in Pennsylvania, USA, Bright Essilfie Kumi, has charged party leadership to prioritize unity and grassroots mobilization if the NPP hopes to recapture power in 2028.
Speaking on Atinka TV’s Oman Mu Nsem show hosted by Nana Owoahene Acheampong, Mr. Kumi stated that despite losing the 2024 elections, the NPP remains Ghana’s best alternative, with many Ghanaians already missing its governance just four months after the transition.
He believes that the party can win the 2028 general election if internal cracks are sealed and unity is restored, particularly among supporters of the two main presidential hopefuls in the last primaries—Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong.
Mr. Kumi urged the party’s leadership to “ginger the base and bring the story back,” emphasizing that disconnection from the grassroots was a key factor in the party’s 2024 defeat. He added that while the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration made significant progress, internal frustrations, neglect, and poor communication cost the party support.
He cautioned against any attempt to impose candidates on the party ahead of the 2028 flagbearership contest. “The power lies with the delegates, not party executives or power brokers. Let the process work,” he emphasized.
However, he proposed reforms to the party’s internal electoral structure, calling for a broader voting base. “Every card-bearing NPP member should have the right to vote in leadership elections. The current system of limited delegate voting is outdated and undemocratic,” he noted.
On the ongoing tensions between supporters of Dr. Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, Mr. Kumi called for immediate reconciliation and an end to internal hostilities. “If we don’t bring these factions together, we risk another defeat,” he warned, urging national executives to keep a close eye on both camps to prevent further division.
He also advised against premature campaigning and provocative conduct by aspirants, calling on party elders to maintain order as the race for 2028 leadership gathers pace.
Mr. Kumi hinted at his own political ambition, revealing that he plans to contest for the position of National First Vice Chairman. “We must elect results-driven, sellable leaders who can win elections—not just those with money or talk. I am ready to serve and help rebuild this party,” he said.
He further advocated for equal distribution of responsibilities among the party’s vice chairpersons to maximize their impact in rebuilding and mobilizing support across the country.
“Let’s rebuild now, from polling station to national, with unity and purpose. Only then can we return to power in 2028,” he concluded.
Ghana|AtinkaOnline.com| Barimah K. Saakwa