Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to intensify its efforts and work towards returning to government in the 2028 general elections.
He said the party must treat the 2028 election as a critical opportunity to regain power and urged its members to remain focused despite the internal competition ahead of the party’s national executive elections.
Akufo-Addo made the remarks when NPP Director of Communications hopeful Dennis Miracles Aboagye paid a courtesy call on him in Accra on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to formally inform him of his decision to contest the position.
During the meeting, Miracles Aboagye assured the former President that, if elected, he would develop a modern and effective communications structure capable of strengthening the party’s position as an opposition party and shaping public discourse.
Responding to the assurance, Akufo-Addo described communications as one of the most important areas of the NPP’s efforts to return to power.
“You are taking up one of the most challenging aspects of our fight back, the communications arena,” he said.
He added that the party’s prospects in the next general election would depend significantly on the work of its communications team.
“To a large extent, whether we prevail or not will depend on the work that you are going to do, so I am happy that somebody of your quality and commitment has decided to take up this challenge,” he stated.
The former President stressed the importance of the 2028 election, urging the party to seize the opportunity to rebuild and return to government.
“That challenge is made more so by the fact that in 2028, come what may, we have to win this election,” he said.
Akufo-Addo also called on all members of the party to put their differences aside after the internal elections and unite behind the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He expressed confidence in Miracles Aboagye’s chances in the communications race and encouraged him to work with all factions of the party once the internal contest is over.
“The elections breed competition, when the die is cast on October 1, and I am confident you will win. You have to bring everybody on board and unite all factions in this party behind our flagbearer to make sure he gets onto the seat in 2029,” he said.
The NPP is scheduled to elect its national executives on October 3, 2026, as part of the party’s broader reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general elections.
According to the National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC), a total of 50 nomination forms were purchased for the nine national executive positions being contested. The nomination period closed on August 22, while completed forms are expected to be filed by Saturday, August 29.
The vetting of aspirants is scheduled to take place from Monday, August 31 to Thursday, September 3. Results of the vetting are expected to be published on September 5, with appeals scheduled for September 6 and 7.
The National Council and National Executive Committee are expected to meet on September 10, while the notice of poll will be issued on September 14 ahead of the October 3 elections.
Among those contesting for National Chairperson are Paul Afoko, John Boadu, Boakye Agyarko, Sammy Crabbe and Bernard Antwi Boasiako.
The National Vice Chairperson race includes Henry Nana Boakye, Kojo Fosu Boadu, Mustapha Abdul-Hameed, Samuel Pyne, Richard Ahiagbah, Abena Pokua Boaitey Amoah, Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Yaa Amponsah Frimpong, George Kwabena Abankwah Yeeboah and Horma Miezah.
The NOEC has pledged to conduct the elections in a fair, transparent and credible manner while providing equal opportunities for all aspirants.
With the internal elections expected to determine the party’s next national leadership team, Akufo-Addo’s call for unity highlights the NPP’s broader challenge of rebuilding its structures and consolidating its support base ahead of the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
By:Rachael Djabakie