The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been encouraged to prioritize fostering strong alliances and strengthening internal cohesion in its role as the parliamentary minority, following its loss in the 2024 general election and the recent setback in the Akwatia by-election.
Clement Akoloh, Director of Communications for Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), emphasized that the opposition party must live up to its self-proclaimed title as the “mighty minority” by strengthening its ranks and effectively representing Ghanaians in Parliament.
Speaking on the implications of the by-election loss, Akoloh highlighted that in a legislative chamber with only two sides—the majority and the minority—the NPP’s role as the opposition bloc is critical to the health of Ghana’s democracy.
He stressed that even without numerical strength, the minority can remain relevant and impactful if they adopt the right strategies and work cohesively.
“If they had more numbers, it would be okay for them. But even if they don’t have the numbers as we speak, building the proper alliances as we are talking about will help them to speak the minds of the Ghanaians.”
Clement Akoloh
The recent by-election outcome, which further bolstered the National Democratic Congress (NDC) majority, presents a significant challenge for the NPP.
Accordingly, Akoloh warned that without a coordinated strategy, the NDC could dominate parliamentary proceedings unchecked, potentially sidelining critical debates and reforms needed to move the country forward.
He added that Ghana’s Parliament functions best when there is healthy competition and collaboration between both sides.
This balance, he explained, ensures that policies are thoroughly scrutinized and the government is held accountable to the people.
Without a strong minority presence, important decisions risk being rushed through without adequate debate or input from opposition voices.
Akoloh pointed out that a lack of opposition strategy could weaken the “chemistry” in Parliament, potentially derailing the country’s policy-making process.
Leadership And Unity, Crucial To the NPP
Clement Akoloh urged the NPP’s parliamentary leadership to set aside distractions and internal divisions, focusing instead on fostering unity within the party.
He argued that a united front would not only strengthen the opposition’s negotiating power but also give voice to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
“It’s very, very important that the minority put themselves together properly [and] forget about some of the distractions that they are having, to be able to put themselves together properly, to stand in as a strong minority on behalf of the country so that our democracy can move forward.”
Clement Akoloh
The communications director emphasized that a cohesive minority is not just beneficial for the opposition itself but also serves as a necessary check on the majority.
He noted that even the ruling NDC would benefit from having a credible opposition to challenge its decisions and encourage better governance.
“I believe that even the majority themselves know that they need somebody or they need this kind of cohesion among the minority to be able to push them to do better for the country.”
Clement Akoloh
The Akwatia by-election, held on September 2, 2025, was seen as a critical test of political strength for both major parties. The NDC’s victory heightened the urgency for the NPP to regroup.
Political analysts have warned that the by-election result could foreshadow challenges for the opposition in the 2028 general elections if strategic changes are not implemented quickly.
Akoloh’s comments reflect broader concerns within civil society about the role of opposition parties in safeguarding democratic governance.
Groups like PNAfrica have long advocated for parliamentary reforms and capacity building to ensure that all parties, regardless of their numbers, can effectively contribute to the legislative process.
The Director of Communications reiterated that the NPP’s ability to function as the “mighty minority” would depend on its willingness to form meaningful partnerships within Parliament, engage constructively with civil society, and prioritize national interests over partisan agendas.
As Ghana moves toward a new political chapter, Akoloh’s call serves as a reminder that a vibrant and functional democracy relies on both a strong government and a credible, organized opposition.
Without this balance, he warned, the country risks weakening its democratic institutions and undermining the very principles upon which its governance is built.
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