By Sharon Zoe Williams
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) sets its sights on rebuilding and repositioning itself for the upcoming electoral battle, transitions within its leadership architecture are taking center stage. Among the high-profile figures seeking a strategic shift is the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagba, who has officially declared his bid for the position of First National Vice Chairman.
Appearing on GBC News’ The National Discourse hosted by Daroll Allan Tagoe, Mr. Ahiagba explained that his move represents a deliberate evolution from communications advocacy to structural and organizational reform. Having spent years defending party policies and articulating political positions on the frontline, he believes true transformation requires getting into the rooms where policy and resource allocation are decided.
*Diagnosing the 2024 Defeat: The Foundation First*
Reflecting on the party’s performance in the 2024 elections, Mr. Ahiagba offered a candid diagnosis. He argued that the party erred by focusing excessively on the political “superstructure” while neglecting the vital “foundation”—the grassroots at the polling station level.
”We assume that the foundation was still strong… and on December 7, 2024, it crumbled. In order to mount a strong challenge, we need to go and build that Foundation and ensure it is in good shape.”
According to the communications director, political parties cannot treat their base like light switches that can simply be flipped on six months before an election. Continuous engagement, mutual trust, and basic political influence to solve everyday community problems are vital. He stressed that when grassroots executives are left unattended, loyalty wanes, leading to voter apathy.
*A Bottom-Up Reorganization Agenda*
Mr. Ahiagba’s campaign core message hinges on a total departure from top-down directives. He recounted his nationwide tour across the northern and eastern sectors, noting that party members are eager for a change in operational style.
He proposed empowering polling station and constituency officers immediately after internal elections conclude, rather than leaving party machinery dormant until months preceding a general election. By fostering organic, relationship-driven mobilization, the NPP can build unbreakable structures that will guarantee a resounding victory in 2028.
