Leading governance think tanks have commended the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) following its decision to establish sector-based Policy Committees to develop practical alternatives ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The newly formed Policy Committees, initiated by Mahamudu Bawumia, are being hailed as a bold and strategic step to reposition the NPP as a policy-driven opposition focused on solutions rather than rhetoric.
Analysts say the Policy Committees will strengthen party unity, deepen stakeholder engagement, and enhance the NPP’s capacity to present credible governance proposals to Ghanaians.
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Franklin Cudjoe praised the initiative, describing it as a long-awaited response to calls for more issue-based politics.
Reacting to reports about the committees, he said Dr. Bawumia’s vision reflects the need for political parties to move beyond criticism and provide clear and workable alternatives.
“Dr. Bawumia wants a party that not only criticizes. He wants a party that can present Ghanaians with a clear, coherent, and credible alternative at any point in time,” Franklin Cudjoe wrote.
He added that the development aligns with recommendations that IMANI Africa and other governance advocates have made over the years.
“Finally, the NPP is waking up to what we at IMANI demanded of them and every political party a while back. Good luck,” he stated.
John Osae-Kwapong of the CDD also praised the initiative, calling it a positive development for party unity and policy coherence.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story programme, he said modern democratic competition requires parties to present technically sound and comprehensive policy alternatives.
According to him, decentralising policy work into specialised committees will help the NPP craft more coherent responses to Ghana’s economic and governance challenges.
“This is a step in the right direction,” Dr. Osae-Kwapong said.
He noted that the inclusion of Dr. Bawumia’s former primary rivals as co-chairs reflects political maturity and a strong commitment to unity.
The NPP’s latest restructuring effort comes as the party seeks to rebuild after losing power to the National Democratic Congress in the 2024 general elections.
Political observers believe the policy reorganisation marks a significant shift from personality-driven politics to issue-based engagement and policy competition.
In recent weeks, Minority MPs have intensified stakeholder consultations with traders, farmers, manufacturers, and professional groups to gather ideas and shape alternative policy proposals.
The endorsements from CDD and IMANI are expected to boost confidence in the NPP’s efforts to reconnect with citizens and present a compelling agenda ahead of 2028.