Some senior members and grassroots activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are pushing for a public debate among the four candidates contesting the party’s General Secretary position ahead of the national elections.
According to them, the General Secretary position is one of the most influential roles within the NPP, and needs a candidate with a strong understanding of party administration, grassroots mobilisation, internal organisation and supporter welfare.
They believe a public debate would allow delegates to assess the candidates on their ideas, records and leadership capabilities beyond campaign rallies, endorsements and personal networks.
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The NPP General Secretary election is scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, where delegates will choose the party’s next national officers.
Four prominent NPP figures are contesting the NPP General Secretary position.
They are incumbent General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, National Treasurer Dr Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr China, former Subin MP Eugene Boakye Antwi, and former Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom MP Sylvester Tetteh.
The candidates bring different political and professional experiences to the contest, making the proposed debate potentially significant for delegates seeking to compare their leadership credentials.
One party supporter argued that the candidates should be allowed to explain their records and vision on the same platform.
“We have four serious contenders with different experiences. Justin Kodua as the current General Secretary and former YEA Boss, Dr Charles Dwamena as the current National Treasurer and former Director of Finance and Administration at the NPP Headquarters, Eugene Boakye Antwi has parliamentary and ministerial experience, while Sylvester Tetteh also brings parliamentary and organisational experience.”
The supporter added that delegates should hear directly from the candidates about what each of them intends to offer the party.
Some NPP activists argue that a public debate would allow the candidates to clearly articulate their plans for the party and respond directly to concerns from delegates.
They insist the proposed debate should not become a platform for personal attacks or internal divisions.
Instead, they want the candidates questioned on issues including grassroots mobilisation, party financing, internal democracy, communication, membership engagement, party discipline and organisational restructuring.
The activists also want the candidates to outline how they intend to help rebuild the NPP following its defeat in the 2024 general election and position the party strongly for the 2028 elections.
For some party members, the debate would go beyond policy proposals and provide delegates with an opportunity to assess the candidates’ leadership temperament.
They argue that the NPP General Secretary must be capable of communicating the party’s position effectively, managing internal disagreements, listening to competing views and providing practical solutions during difficult political periods.
“Delegates are not simply choosing a title. They are choosing someone who will be at the centre of the party’s daily administration and organisational work. We therefore need to hear the candidates explain themselves,” another supporter said.
There are also calls for the proposed debate to be conducted under transparent rules, with equal speaking time for all four candidates and questions agreed upon in advance.
Among the major issues supporters want the candidates to address is how they intend to rebuild the NPP’s grassroots structures and improve communication between the party’s national leadership and constituency branches.
They also want clear proposals on strengthening party unity, improving membership engagement and restoring public confidence in the NPP.
Another major issue is the party’s preparations for the 2028 general election, particularly in constituencies where the NPP suffered significant setbacks in 2024.
Supporters believe the next General Secretary will play a crucial role in coordinating the party’s organisational preparations ahead of the 2028 polls.
Those advocating for the debate say the election should not be determined solely by personalities, friendships, endorsements or campaign slogans.
Instead, they want delegates to compare the candidates’ records, ideas, leadership styles and concrete programmes before making their decision.
The proposed debate could therefore provide a rare opportunity for the four contenders to appear together and directly respond to questions about the future direction of the NPP.
With the NPP General Secretary contest attracting increasing attention, the call for a public debate presents a fresh challenge to Justin Frimpong Kodua, Dr Charles Dwamena, Eugene Boakye Antwi and Sylvester Tetteh.
Each NPP General Secretary candidate brings a different political background and experience to the race, and a common platform could give delegates a clearer basis for comparing their respective visions for the party.
For the supporters calling for the debate, their message is simple: “Don’t just tell us you can lead. Come and tell us how you will lead.”
Whether the four candidates and the NPP leadership will embrace the proposal remains to be seen.
But as the October 3 election approaches, the demand for a direct debate is adding a new dimension to the race and reflecting growing interest among delegates in the leadership direction the party will take into its next political chapter.