KUMASI, Ghana — A potentially significant change to the leadership structure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gaining attention ahead of the party’s National Delegates Conference, with some members calling for the presidential candidate to become the formal leader of the party instead of the National Chairman.
The proposal is among several constitutional amendments expected to come before delegates at the conference scheduled for October 3, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Push for one centre of leadership
Some NPP members in the Ashanti Region have argued that making the presidential candidate the party leader would create a clearer chain of command as the party prepares for the 2028 general election.
According to reports, the members believe having separate figures occupying the roles of party leader and presidential candidate can create what they describe as competing centres of authority.
They argue that placing both responsibilities under the presidential candidate during an election cycle could align the party’s organisational structure with its electoral campaign.
Razak Kojo Opoku puts proposal on the table
The debate gained further prominence after financial economist and academic Dr Razak Kojo Opoku publicly called for an amendment to the NPP Constitution.
His proposal would make the presidential candidate the formal leader of the party whenever the NPP has a presidential candidate preparing for a general election.
Under the proposal reported by The New Trust, the sitting President would remain party leader when the NPP controls the presidency. If the party has neither a sitting President nor a presidential candidate, the National Chairman would assume the leadership role.
Bawumia at the centre of the proposal
The proposal specifically identifies former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is described in the reports as the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2028 election, as the person who would assume the party leadership under the proposed arrangement.
Dr Opoku has argued that the constitutional change would establish a direct connection between the person leading the party into a presidential election and the formal leadership of the organisation.
Members cite unity and coordination
Supporters of the proposal say a single leadership structure could reduce potential friction between the party’s national executives and the presidential campaign.
They argue that the presidential candidate would have clearer authority over campaign messaging, strategy and coordination, while responsibility for the election effort would be aligned with formal party leadership.
Not the only proposed change
The presidential-candidate leadership proposal is reportedly one of several amendments being considered by the party.
Other proposals include restoring the President to the National Steering Committee, increasing the number of vice-chairpersons at various levels, creating deputy communication officer positions and expanding participation in presidential and parliamentary primaries.
Delegates face a crucial decision
With the National Delegates Conference approaching, the proposed changes could generate significant discussion about how the NPP should structure its leadership while preparing for the next general election.
Whether the proposal to make the presidential candidate the party’s formal leader will be adopted, however, will depend on the constitutional amendment process and decisions taken by the party’s delegates.
For now, the proposal has opened a fresh debate within the NPP over where ultimate party authority should lie during an election cycle — with supporters pushing for the presidential candidate to take the leadership role currently associated with the National Chairman.
