Aspiring General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sylvester Tetteh, has declared that the party must build a stronger and more effective voice if it is to recover from its 2024 electoral defeat and reclaim power in the 2028 general election.
According to the former Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, the NPP fielded the strongest presidential candidate in the 2024 polls, but the party’s organisational machinery failed to match the strength of its flag bearer.
“We had the best of candidates among all the presidential aspirants. Of course, we had a weaker party that could not prosecute the campaign,” he stated.
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Mr Tetteh made the remarks when he led a delegation of former Members of Parliament and former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to the residence of the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate and former Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to formally announce his intention to contest the position of General Secretary.
He argued that the greatest asset of an opposition party is not access to state resources but its ability to communicate effectively, hold the government accountable and inspire confidence among the electorate.
Mr Tetteh said his extensive experience as a constituency secretary, parliamentary candidate, Member of Parliament and party strategist had equipped him with the skills needed to serve as the party’s chief administrator.
He also highlighted his role in national campaign activities, including serving as campaign manager for a national chairmanship candidate and touring constituencies across the country, saying those experiences had given him a deep understanding of the NPP’s structures and operational challenges.
Touching on the party’s electoral strategy, Mr Tetteh stressed the need for diversity and regional balance in the composition of the NPP’s national leadership.
He described Greater Accra as the key battleground in the 2028 elections and said the party must pay greater attention to the region if it hopes to return to government.
“I know this region so well. When given the opportunity, I will provide the voice that will not only help us in 2028 but strengthen the party for posterity,” he said.
Mr Sylvester Tetteh further pledged his commitment to helping Dr Bawumia secure victory in the next presidential election.
“I will not rest until you become President,” he assured the former Vice-President.
In response, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia commended Mr Tetteh for what he described as a solid vision backed by extensive party experience and wished him success in the race for General Secretary.
Dr Bawumia noted that the NPP’s internal elections were crucial to rebuilding a strong organisation capable of returning to power in 2028.
Describing the office of General Secretary as the party’s chief administrative position, he welcomed the healthy competition emerging across all levels of the internal electoral process.
However, he urged all aspirants to remain united once the elections are over, emphasising that the NPP’s true political opponent is the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), not fellow party members.
“Whatever the outcome, we’ll all come back together and go and win 2028,” Dr Bawumia said.
As part of his campaign, Mr Sylvester Tetteh and his delegation also visited the residence of the Member of Parliament for Karaga and former Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, who publicly declared his support for the aspiring General Secretary.