Three hopefuls have filed their nominations to contest in the national executive elections scheduled for October 3, 2026. They are Sammy Crabbe, who submitted his nomination on Monday; Paul Afoko, who filed on Tuesday; and Boakye Agyarko, who filed yesterday. Another aspirant, John Boadu, is expected to file today.
However, the fifth chairman aspirant, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako—commonly known as Chairman Wontumi—has withdrawn from the race. He cited personal circumstances and a desire not to become a burden to the party as reasons for his decision. In a statement, Mr. Antwi-Boasiako said he made the choice after “sober reflection and consultations” with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team, and trusted supporters. “This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want to protect; what we love even more,” he expressed.
Currently, Mr. Antwi-Boasiako is serving a 20-year jail term for improperly assigning mineral rights granted to his company, Akonta Mining Limited, to two individuals, Michael Gyedu Ayisi and Henry Okum, without obtaining the necessary approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, as required by law.
Afoko
After submitting his forms, Mr. Afoko committed to leading an inclusive administration and serving every party member if elected, regardless of their faction, preferred candidate, region, or generation. “There cannot be one NPP for those who supported Candidate A and another NPP for those who supported Candidate B,” he stated.
Contract
Paul Afoko has pledged that his leadership will not be confined to any faction, candidate, region, or generation, declaring: “I will be chairman for every member of the New Patriotic Party.”
He emphasized that the NPP can only regain strength to defeat its political opponents if members stop perceiving one another as adversaries. Afoko has built his campaign around three core objectives—Reunite, Reorganise, and Recapture—as the party positions itself to contest for power in the 2028 general election.
Agyarko
On his part, Mr Agyarko declared his intention to address the current challenges confronting the party and return it to political power. He urged party members not to lose hope despite the NPP’s current difficulties, insisting that the party still had the capacity to bounce back.
“We may be down, but we are not out.
NPP shall rise again,” he stated.
Mr Agyarko said his ultimate objective was to help the party regain power and support the presidential ambitions of former Vice–President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
