NPP Supporters Call for General Secretary Debate Ahead of Election

With the race for the next General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) attracting increasing attention within the party, some supporters, including senior Party members and grassroots activists are calling for a public debate among the four (4) contenders before delegates go to the polls on 3rd October 2026 in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.

According to the supporters, the position of General Secretary is one of the most critical positions in the party and therefore requires a candidate with a clear understanding of party administration, grassroots mobilisation and welfare for the supporters, internal organisation and the strategy required to rebuild and strengthen the NPP for the 2028 elections.

The supporters say a debate would give delegates a unique opportunity to assess the candidates beyond campaign meetings and political endorsements.

They argue that while the candidates may have different political backgrounds and records, delegates deserve an opportunity to hear them respond to questions on the same platform before the 3^rd October, congress in Kumasi.

The four eyeing for the NPP’s General Secretary seat are the incumbent General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua; , the current National Treasurer, Dr Charles Dwamena, (popularly known as Dr China); Eugene Boakye Antwi, former Member of Parliament for Subin; and Sylvester Tetteh, also former Member of Parliament for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom.

“Let them face the delegates”

Some top Party activists believe the debate would allow the candidates to clearly articulate their vision for the party and explain how they intend to address some of the challenges confronting the NPP.

One supporter said, “We have four serious contenders with different experiences. Justin Kodua as the current General Secretary and former YEA Boss, Dr Charles Dwamena as the current National Treasurer and former Director of Finance and Administration at the NPP Headquarters, Eugene Boakye Antwi has parliamentary and ministerial experience, while Sylvester Tetteh also brings parliamentary and organisational experience. Let them come together and tell delegates their records at former various offices, and what each of them can offer.”

Supporters say such a debate should not be organised as a platform for personal attacks. Instead, they want questions to focus on issues such as grassroots mobilisation, party financing, internal democracy, communication, membership engagement, discipline, rebuilding the party after the 2024 defeat and preparations for the 2028 general election.

A test of leadership

For some NPP members, the debate could also serve as a test of leadership temperament and political maturity.

They believe the General Secretary must be able to communicate effectively, defend the party’s position under pressure, listen to differing opinions and provide practical solutions during difficult political moments.

“Delegates are not simply choosing a title. They are choosing someone who will be at the centre of the party’s daily administration and organisational work. We therefore need to hear the candidates explain themselves,” another supporter noted.

There are also calls for the debate to be conducted under clear rules, with equal time allocated to all candidates and questions agreed upon in advance to ensure fairness.

The big questions

Among the issues supporters want the candidates to address are how they intend to rebuild the party’s grassroots structures, improve communication between the national leadership and constituency branches, strengthen party unity and regain public confidence.

They also want the candidates to explain their plans for preparing the party for the 2028 elections, particularly in constituencies where the NPP suffered setbacks.

For supporters advocating the debate, the election should not be reduced to personalities, friendships, endorsements or campaign slogans.

They want delegates to have the opportunity to compare ideas, records, leadership styles and concrete programmes before making their choice.

Will the candidates accept the challenge?

As the contest gathers momentum, the growing call for a debate places an interesting challenge before the four candidates.

Dr. Charles Dwamena (Dr China), Justin Frimpong Kodua Esq., Eugene Boakye Antwi and Sylvester Tetteh each brings a different political experience to the contest. A common platform could therefore provide delegates with an opportunity to determine who has the clearest vision and strongest strategy for the party’s next chapter.

For the supporters demanding the debate, the message is straightforward:“Don’t just tell us you can lead. Come and tell us how you will lead.”

Whether the candidates and the party’s leadership will embrace the proposal remains to be seen. But as the contest develops, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: NPP delegates want the opportunity to hear, compare and question those seeking to become the party’s next General Secretary before they cast their votes.

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Source: Osei Agyei/wwwfrontpageghana.com/ghana