NPP Must Rebuild From Grassroots, Says Akufo-Addo as Party Eyes 2028 Return

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise internal unity and reconnect with grassroots supporters as the party strategises for a return to power in the 2028 general elections. The remarks come as the NPP enters a critical phase of rebuilding following its loss in the 2024 presidential contest.

Akufo-Addo made these comments during a meeting with the National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC), which visited him at his office to invite him to the party's 2026 National Delegates Conference. The conference will serve as a platform for the election of new national party officers and is viewed as an important moment for charting the NPP's organisational direction.

According to the former President, the party's ability to renew itself depends substantially on strengthening internal cohesion and rebuilding trust among its support base. He expressed confidence in the NPP's prospects for 2028, though he emphasised that success would require laying a robust organisational foundation now.

What This Means for Ghana's Opposition

The NPP's 2028 strategy reflects the broader dynamics of Ghana's two-party political system. As the main opposition party following its electoral defeat, the NPP faces the dual challenge of retaining its core supporters whilst attracting new voters. Akufo-Addo's emphasis on grassroots mobilisation suggests the party recognises that victory in 2028 will depend on strengthening its presence in communities across the country, not merely on national-level campaigning.

The upcoming National Delegates Conference in 2026 will be a crucial moment for party renewal. The election of new national officers could signal either continuity or a shift in strategic direction. Akufo-Addo's counsel to party delegates—stressing unity over internal factional disputes—appears intended to encourage a cohesive approach during this transition period.

For Ghanaians broadly, a stronger opposition party could mean more robust parliamentary scrutiny and competitive elections in 2028. However, the NPP will need to address key questions about its policy direction and how it will differentiate itself from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government on issues of economic management, anti-corruption efforts, and service delivery.

Party Leadership and Succession

The NOEC's visit to Akufo-Addo reflects the former President's continued influence within NPP circles, despite stepping down from office in January 2025. His engagement with the committee, and his confirmation that he will attend the National Delegates Conference, signals his intention to remain an elder statesman guiding the party's direction.

Frederick Opare-Ansah, NOEC Chairman, confirmed via Facebook that the committee was grateful for Akufo-Addo's reception and guidance. The committee's broader engagement with key NPP figures—described as part of efforts to consult party elders before the conference—suggests a deliberate attempt to build consensus within the party on its future trajectory.

As the NPP enters this preparatory phase, the success of its 2028 strategy will likely depend on whether senior figures can unite around a common vision and whether the party can effectively communicate that vision to voters who may have lost confidence in its governance record.