Former Minister for Manpower Development and Employment, Lawyer Yaw Barima, has criticised the current leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), arguing that the party cannot rely on the same leadership that oversaw its 2024 electoral defeat to win the 2028 elections.
Mr Barima believes the NPP needs fresh leadership and new ideas if it is serious about rebuilding the party and returning to power in 2028.
He made the comments while endorsing the NPP National Treasurer, Dr Charles Dwamena, in his bid to become the party’s next NPP General Secretary.
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Speaking on the party’s leadership direction, Mr yaw Barima said the NPP must be prepared to replace its current crop of executives with leaders capable of developing a new strategy for the next general election.
“There is a saying that you cannot do today’s work with yesterday’s tools and expect to be in business tomorrow,” he said.
According to Mr Barima, the NPP’s parliamentary representation fell significantly during the tenure of the current national executive leadership.
“The tools (national executives) we used in 2024 reduced our parliamentary seats from 137 to 87. I think it is high time we put them aside,” he stated.
He argued that retaining the same leadership approach could make it difficult for the NPP to regain power in 2028.
Yaw Barima has therefore thrown his support behind Dr Charles Dwamena in the upcoming NPP national executive elections.
He urged party members to elect the National Treasurer as NPP General Secretary, describing him as a candidate capable of providing the fresh vision and direction needed to reposition the party.
“I believe that if we give Dr Charles Dwamena the chance to lead as the General Secretary, the party will have a new chapter and vision and have a fair chance to compete in the next election in 2028,” he said.
The endorsement comes as the NPP prepares for its next round of national executive elections, with several party figures seeking key positions.
Mr Barima made the remarks on Friday, August 7, 2026, when Dr Dwamena and his campaign team visited constituencies across the Eastern Region as part of a tour to recognise grassroots executives.
The delegation presented citations to constituency executives in appreciation of their commitment and support to the NPP National Treasury between 2022 and 2026.
Dr Dwamena, who is campaigning to become the party’s next NPP General Secretary, also praised the executives for what he described as their invaluable contribution to the party’s financial transformation.
He disclosed that monthly membership dues had increased from less than GH¢100 to more than GH¢30,000 under the current administration.
The delegation visited and honoured executives in Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman, Akuapem North, Akuapem South, Okere and Nsawam-Adoagyiri.
Other constituencies visited included Abuakwa North, Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa North.
At the NPP party office in Anyinam, executives from Atiwa East, Atiwa West and Fanteakwa South were recognised for their dedication to the party.
The team later moved to Nkawkaw, where executives from Abirem, Nkawkaw, Mpraeso and Abetifi received citations.
Executives from Oda Presby Church, Akim Oda, Asene-Manso-Akroso, Akim Swedru, Achiase and Ofoase Ayirebi were also honoured.
The tour forms part of efforts by Dr Dwamena to engage the NPP grassroots as he campaigns for the position of NPP General Secretary, while highlighting the role of constituency executives in strengthening the party ahead of the 2028 elections.