The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) latest national executive elections have sparked controversy over the representation of Ewes in the party’s national leadership following the defeat of Richard Ahiagbah and National Organiser hopeful Emmanuel Korsi Bodja.
The elections, held on October 3, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, saw delegates elect a new crop of national executives to lead the party and reposition it ahead of the next electoral contest.
Richard Ahiagbah, a former NPP Director of Communications, contested one of the three National Vice Chairman positions alongside 12 other aspirants. He secured 1,001 votes but failed to make the cut.
Ahead of the election, Mr. Ahiagbah had highlighted his identity as the only Ewe among the 13 candidates contesting the Vice Chairman positions and warned of the implications of his defeat.
“If I, Ahiagbah, the only Ewe among the 13 aspirants contesting for the National Vice Chairman position, am voted out, then NPP has a problem…” he said.
Mr. Ahiagbah’s defeat, together with the failure of Emmanuel Korsi Bodja, an Ewe candidate who contested for the National Organiser position, has now triggered renewed discussions about the representation of Ewes within the NPP’s national leadership.
Mr. Bodja had campaigned on addressing structural challenges within the party and strengthening its organisation at the grassroots.
The circumstances surrounding the defeat of both candidates remain unclear. However, sources within the delegate community have alleged that concerns about the political loyalty of Ewe members may have influenced some delegates’ choices.
The outcome has also revived wider discussions about the treatment of Ewe personalities in major political appointments, including the 2020 appointment of Justice Kwabena Anin Yeboah as Chief Justice by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, when Justice Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse was due for the position.
Mr. Ahiagbah’s political journey has also included an earlier controversy during the Akufo-Addo administration.
He reportedly declined consideration for a ministerial appointment in the communications portfolio because of his dual-citizenship status.
However, there is still hope for Mr Ahiagbah, as discussions are reportedly ongoing over the possibility of him being considered for an appointment within the party’s new leadership structure despite his defeat in the National Vice Chairman race.
Meanwhile, the NPP elected a new leadership team, with John Boadu becoming National Chairman and Justin Kodua Frimpong retaining the position of General Secretary.
Former Delta Force commander Kojo Bamba was elected First National Vice Chairman, while Dennis Miracles Aboagye emerged as the new Director of Communications, succeeding Mr Ahiagbah.
The new executives are expected to rebuild the party’s structures, strengthen its grassroots organisation and prepare the NPP ahead of the 2028 election.
