Seasoned journalist Kwesi Pratt has asserted that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s once-uncontested influence within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has diminished following recent electoral developments.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, Pratt argued that the party’s leadership hierarchy has shifted, with National Chairman Stephen Ntim now occupying the central role in its political strategy.
“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is no longer the candidate of the party. In fact, he’s in the same position as all the others that we hear want to be presidential candidates,” Pratt stated. He emphasized that the NPP’s current structure places Ntim, not Bawumia, at the helm of decision-making. “The leader of the party now is Mr. Stephen Ntim, National Chairman. He’s always been the leader during election time. Even when you’re in government, he’s still the leader.”
Pratt’s analysis suggests a recalibration of power dynamics within the NPP as it prepares for future electoral contests. He urged the party to prioritize reorganization ahead of the 2028 elections, noting that Bawumia would need to compete on equal terms with other aspirants. “The party ought to be looking at election twenty twenty-eight,” he said, signaling an open field for leadership ambitions.
The remarks reflect broader discussions about the NPP’s post-election direction. Historically, the party has alternated leadership between its presidential candidates and organizational figures during non-election periods. Observers note that Ntim’s elevated role aligns with the NPP’s tradition of empowering its national chairman to steer campaign strategies, while elected officials focus on governance.
This structure, however, often sparks internal debates about authority and visibility, particularly for high-profile figures like Bawumia, who remains a key government representative. As the NPP navigates its post-2024 roadmap, Pratt’s commentary underscores the balancing act between maintaining cohesive governance and preparing for competitive political futures.
