A political analyst and lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Jonathan Asante-Otchere, says the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to make the National Chairman leader of the party when in opposition was strategic and driven by internal conspiracy.
He asserts the party originally had the Chairman as its leader but amended the constitution at a conference, and has now reverted to the old arrangement without clear justification.
Speaking on Onua TV’s morning show, Maakye, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Dr. Asante-Otchere said the move was influenced by fears that Boakye Agyarko could win the chairmanship.
“It was all a matter of strategy because originally, that was the situation as far as the constitution was concerned and they went for a conference and changed it for the Chairman to be leader if the party is in government. What did you see in the first place to amend that and what have you seen to go back? Obi ho ahi nti
According to him, some elements within the party believed Boakye Agyarko, who is seen as anti-Bawumia, would not support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s flagbearership bid if he became Chairman.
Dr. Otchere indicated since the odds favoured the former Energy Minister to win the chairmanship position, the flagbearer’s outfit thought it wise to amend the constitution to make him the leader of the party, instead of the Chairman.
“They thought Boakye Agyarko could win the chairmanship and they felt as an anti-Bawumia person, Bawumia wouldn’t see top for his flagbearership. That was the conspiracy theory,” he added.
Dr. Asante Otchere, however, maintained that making the flagbearer the leader of the party is a good decision, but questioned why the party did not rather consider making the Minority Leader the party’s leader.
“Other than that, the idea for the flagbearer to be the party leader is a good decision. Why don’t we rather choose the Minority Leader as leader of the party?” he asked.
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