Dr Samuel Afriyie, senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to appoint its flagbearer as the leader of the party ahead of its national delegates conference on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. He said this move would strengthen unity within the party as it prepares for upcoming elections.
Speaking in an interview with William Evans-Nkum, Dr Afriyie said, "For stronger party cohesion, especially going into elections, the flagbearer should lead the party. If you look at the NDC, that system is working for them." He pointed to the example of the National Democratic Congress, where the presidential candidate also serves as party leader, as a model the NPP could follow to close ranks and unite its supporters.
The issue of who should lead the party has been a major point of discussion ahead of the conference. Among the proposals expected to be considered are whether the presidential candidate or the national chairman should take on the leadership role. Dr Afriyie suggested that if the party does not have a flagbearer, the national chairman could temporarily fill the position. "There is also the question of who takes over if there is no flagbearer. The National Chairman can hold the fort until a flagbearer is elected," he said.
The national delegates conference will discuss several other proposals, including restoring the President to the National Steering Committee, appointing additional vice chairpersons at the national, regional, and constituency levels, and creating distinct elective positions for the first, second, and third vice chairpersons.
Delegates will also consider appointing deputy regional and constituency communication officers, allowing all card-bearing members to serve as delegates in presidential and parliamentary primaries, and adding IT officers to the regional and constituency executive structures.
The NPP’s national delegates conference comes at a time when the party is working to solidify its structure and prepare for the next election cycle. The discussion about party leadership reflects ongoing efforts to improve internal cohesion and streamline decision-making processes.
Dr Afriyie’s comments put a spotlight on the internal debates within the NPP as it seeks to balance party unity with effective leadership ahead of the 2026 elections. The outcome of the conference could have a significant impact on the party’s organisation and election strategy going forward.
According to 3News.
