Financial economist and academic Dr Razak Kojo Opoku has endorsed Nana Akomea’s bid for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 1st National Vice-Chairperson position, arguing that the role requires a candidate capable of acting as National Chairman in the absence of the elected chairman.
In a commentary ahead of the NPP’s National Annual Delegates Conference, Dr Opoku identified Nana Akomea, a former Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC), as his preferred candidate for the position.
He also backed former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, for the 2nd National Vice-Chairperson position.
Dr Opoku argued that the 1st National Vice-Chairperson must have the experience and capacity to assume the responsibilities of the National Chairman when the need arises.
“The 1st National Vice-Chairperson should be the one who can competently act in the absence of the National Chairman,” he wrote.
He, however, questioned the readiness of incumbent NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, to occupy the position.
“Nana B is honestly NOT ripe for the position of 1st National Vice-Chairperson because he CANNOT competently ACT as the Leader & National Chairman of the NPP in the absence of the elected National Chairman,” Dr Opoku stated.
He suggested that Nana B could instead be considered for the 3rd National Vice-Chairperson position.
Dr Opoku also criticised the candidature of Alhaji Masawudu Osman, popularly known as Chairman Buga Buga, for the vice-chairperson position.
“As for Chairman Buga, he needs to go home and rest,” he stated.
Dr Opoku’s comments come ahead of the NPP’s National Annual Delegates Conference scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Kumasi.
The conference will see delegates elect new national officers and consider proposed amendments to the party’s constitution.
The vice-chairperson race has attracted several prominent members of the party, with candidates campaigning for the various positions.
Those in the contest include Nana B; NPP Director of Communications Richard Ahiagbah; Mustapha Abdul-Hamid; former National Treasurer Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah; former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive Sam Pyne; and Nana Akomea.
Other candidates are Abena Pokuaah Amoah Boaitey, popularly known as Ejisu Broni; Alhaji Masawudu Osman, also known as Chairman Buga Buga; Obaa Yaa Amponsah Frimpong; Horma Akesie Miezah; Richard Oti Aboagye; Bright Essilfie Kumi; and Kojo Fosu Boadu, also known as Kojo Bamba.
The incumbent 2nd National Vice-Chairperson, Antoh, has also picked nomination forms to contest the 1st National Vice-Chairperson position.
The crowded field has made the 1st Vice-Chairperson contest one of the key races ahead of the national executive elections.
While Dr Opoku has publicly endorsed Nana Akomea and Mustapha Abdul-Hamid for the first and second vice-chair positions respectively, the final choice will be made by NPP delegates at the conference.
The elections will form part of efforts by the party to constitute its next national executive leadership and shape its organisational direction ahead of the next phase of its political activities.
By 1960news.com
