NPP and NDC Intensify Grassroots Mobilization and Internal Reforms Ahead of 2028 Elections

Ghana’s two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have significantly ramped up grassroots mobilization, internal reorganization, and strategic messaging as they position themselves for the 2028 general elections. While the NPP is currently focused on navigating internal constituency elections and consolidating support for its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NDC is deepening its engagement with its student wings and local structures. Both parties are emphasizing that victory in the next electoral cycle will depend on the strength of their branch-level organization and the unity of their members.

In the NDC, leadership has been active in the Volta and Ashanti regions to solidify its base. In South Dayi, MP Rockson-Nelson Kwami Etse Dafeamekpor supported local reorganization efforts by donating a tricycle and fertilizer to the Wegbe Camp/Wawase branch. Simultaneously, the party’s student wing, the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN), marked its 30th anniversary at the University of Cape Coast, where leaders urged students to lead the charge for national development. In the Ashanti Region, Frank Amoakohene encouraged TEIN members at KNUST to remain confident in the party's message, asserting that the NDC offers superior interventions for the youth compared to the governing NPP. Further signaling internal shifts, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye resigned as National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to seek a position within the NDC's executive ranks.

On the NPP side, efforts are centered on unifying the party behind Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Suaman MP Frederick Addy has led calls for party members to rally behind Bawumia, citing his potential for national transformation, particularly in the Western North Region. Dr. Bawumia himself recently reached out to Zongo communities in Tema, promising enhanced development and urging support for his 2028 presidential bid. However, the campaign has faced internal friction; Nana Akomea, the campaign’s Director of Communications, recently addressed concerns raised by Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy regarding party discipline, defending the campaign's leadership style and the confidentiality of private party meetings.

Despite the push for unity, the NPP is managing several internal challenges as it conducts constituency-level elections. In Afigya Sekyere East, Acting Chairman Ibrahim Mohamed petitioned regional executives over alleged irregularities, including the manipulation of the electoral album and unauthorized polls. Similarly, aspirants for various positions in Sunyani East and Krachi East, such as Kingsley Kusi Appiah and Clement Kwasi Kagyi, are calling for the establishment of a robust membership database and more transparent financial management to build trust among the grassroots. In Wenchi, Richard Kwadwo Adu has pledged to reclaim the parliamentary seat from the NDC, highlighting the competitive pressure at the constituency level.

As both parties move deeper into their reorganization phases, the focus remains on professionalizing party structures and resolving internal disputes. Whether through the NDC's grassroots donations and student mobilization or the NPP’s emphasis on data-driven organization and flagbearer loyalty, the groundwork for the 2028 elections is being laid today. The ability of both parties to address internal petitions and maintain discipline will likely determine their effectiveness in the upcoming national campaign.