NPP Regional Elections 2026: Who Will Emerge Victorious in Ghana’s Key

This weekend, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will hold regional executive elections in 15 regions across the country, with the Western North Region voting on Sunday, August 16. The polls are expected to produce regional leadership teams that will take charge of grassroots mobilisation and organisational activities as the party seeks to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general election.

Ashanti and Greater Accra: Key Battlegrounds

The Ashanti Region is expected to attract considerable attention, with former Afigya Sekyere South Constituency Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, taking on former Environmental Protection Agency Chief Executive Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu for the chairmanship. Both candidates have mounted vigorous campaigns ahead of the election, while 34 aspirants have been cleared to contest various positions after the vetting process.

In the Greater Accra Region, former Ledzokuku MP and former National Health Insurance Authority Chief Executive Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye faces former Regional Executive member Alfred Boye in a two-horse contest for the chairmanship.

Incumbents Face Challenges

Several incumbent regional chairmen are also seeking to retain their positions against challengers. In Bono, incumbent Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, faces Kwabena Oppong, Evans Afari Gyan Yeboah, Yaw Afful and Joseph Mensah. The Western Region contest features Abdul Ganiyu Mohammed, Ignatius Kwasi Afrifa and Kwame Opare Addo.

In the Northern Region, incumbent Alhaji Mohammed Samba is being challenged by Alhaji Inusah Amadu, popularly known as Dagomba Boy. The North East Region will see incumbent Alhaji Fuseini Nurudeen go up against Regional Secretary Sulley Sambian.

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Regional Elections to Shape NPP's Future

The outcome of the regional elections will be closely watched for the personalities who emerge and the balance of power within the opposition party. The new regional executives will be expected to unite the rank and file, strengthen the party's grassroots structures and lead its organisational activities as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general election.

Under the party's guidelines, the Regional Elections Committee will supervise the process, while the Electoral Commission will conduct the elections. The committee has responsibility for ensuring that the regional polls are transparent, free and fair.

Source: JOY