Prince Kofi Nyantakyi, a former parliamentary aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Asutifi South in the Ahafo Region, has called for structural reforms within the party, particularly regarding how vice-presidential candidates are selected.
He is advocating that all NPP flagbearer aspirants should present their proposed running mates to the party for approval before they are cleared to contest in internal primaries.
According to Mr. Nyantakyi, such a move would ensure that party members are aligned with the vice-presidential choices, thereby avoiding future internal discontent that could affect the party’s electoral fortunes.
“Candidates often select running mates after winning the flagbearership who may not necessarily be the people’s choice,” he stated in an interview with JoyNews in Hwediem. “If you declare your intentions to run for flagbearer, you must also declare your choice of vice-presidential candidate. When he or she is the people’s choice, then you can proceed to contest,” he opined.
Reflecting on the 2024 election, the former aspirant noted that internal dissatisfaction with the choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) as running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia contributed to the NPP’s defeat.
“More than 36% of members of the NPP never liked the choice of Matthew Opoku Prempeh as a partner to Dr. Bawumia, which caused internal misunderstanding in the run-up to the 2024 polls,” he said.
He also cited the negative public reaction to some of Napo’s utterances during the campaign, which he believes tainted the party’s image. “Some political commentators and a section of Ghanaians complained severally on the negative utterances of ‘Napo’ during the 2024 electioneering campaign, which they think caused the party’s humiliating defeat,” he added.
Mr. Nyantakyi, who is also vying for the position of Ahafo Regional Organiser of the NPP, called for unity in the party, particularly urging calm among supporters of Kennedy Agyapong and Kwame Baffoe Abronye. “We can’t mend our torn nets with disunity,” he cautioned.
He emphasised his grassroots leadership style, pledging to strengthen the party’s structure from the polling station level upwards if given the nod.
“As a leader, I understand the aspirations and challenges of my peers, positioning me to mobilise effectively and empower them,” he said. “My leadership promises to revitalise the various wings of the party in the region as a driver for future success. Joining our hands in service for the party will ensure our victory in 2028,” he reiterated.
Mr. Nyantakyi also called on the party’s Council of Elders and the National Executive Council (NEC) to urgently intervene to resolve ongoing internal tensions and build unity ahead of the next general elections.