NPP’s new leadership offers no renewal after ‘micro minority’ defeat – NDC’s Abeiku Hayford

Ing. Abeiku Hayford, a candidate for the position of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary, has expressed skepticism about the capacity of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) newly appointed national executives to effect meaningful change ahead of the 2028 general election. In an interview on Tamale-based KESMI FM, Mr Hayford pointed out that several of the leadership figures are well-known individuals who were instrumental in the party's 2024 electoral loss, which left the NPP with a "micro minority" representation in Parliament.

He suggested that merely reassigning positions within the existing party hierarchy does not equate to political renewal. "Simply transferring someone's role does not signify a change in the party," he commented. Mr Hayford specifically highlighted the retention of Justin Frimpong Kodua in the position of General Secretary, noting that he occupied this role during the NPP's recent election defeats.

He queried what unique strategy the NPP leadership intends to employ during the upcoming election compared to the approach that preceded their 2024 electoral setback. "If the same people are returning, what is new about their strategy?" he inquired. Mr Hayford contended that the returning NPP executives have a well-documented history that is already known to Ghanaians, and their re-election does not, by itself, indicate a fresh political direction.

"I do not perceive the political renewal they claim to offer," he remarked. He urged the NPP to demonstrate the lessons learned from their electoral defeat and clarify what distinct offerings they intend to make to voters in 2028. "Voters will not simply support a candidate based on a well-organized delegates' conference; they will evaluate the actions, achievements, and promises of the candidates," he emphasized.