Pressure is mounting within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and ex-Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to lead the party into the 2028 elections as National Chairman. However, he has made it clear that he will only accept the position if selected through consensus rather than a nationwide campaign.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Abusua 96.5 FM, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu criticized the election-based approach to choosing party executives, arguing that it fuels corruption.
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“I have always disagreed with our system of electing party executives because that is where corruption begins in our politics,” he said, pointing out that candidates often spend large sums on campaigns for unpaid positions, leading to financial recoveries from party funds once elected.
He cited Article 55, Clause 9 of the national constitution, which states that a national executive committee member of a political party must be chosen from all regions of Ghana. According to him, this provision was carefully worded to encourage selection through consensus rather than a competitive election.
Growing calls for leadership change
Many NPP supporters believe the party’s poor performance in its final term in government was due to a lack of strong leadership connecting the administration to the grassroots. As the party reflects on its defeat in the 2024 elections, some members see Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as the right leader to restore internal discipline, citing his extensive political experience.
However, he has ruled out contesting under the current election system. “If, by consensus, the party selects me, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, as National Chairman, I will accept. But if I have to campaign across the country at my own expense, I will not do it,” he stated.
His remarks have sparked internal discussions on whether the NPP should adopt a consensus-based approach in selecting key leadership positions ahead of the 2028 elections.
