Former Minister of Health and former Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku Constituency, Bernard Okoe Boye, has outlined a campaign centred on rebuilding the electoral strength of the New Patriotic Party in the Greater Accra Region. He explained that the regional contest had become necessary after the party’s poor showing in the 2024 general election.
He indicated that his experience in three parliamentary elections has given him a deeper understanding of party organisation and voter expectations. According to him, some strategies worked effectively while other approaches weakened the party’s connection with supporters across the region.
The former minister disclosed that he wants to become the next Greater Accra Regional Chairman for the party because of the region’s growing influence in national elections.
He described the region as a deciding force in Ghana’s political landscape. He also observed that the decline in parliamentary seats in Greater Accra has exposed serious weaknesses that require immediate correction before the next election cycle.
According to him, the NPP’s parliamentary representation in the region dropped sharply from 21 seats in 2016 to five seats after the latest election. He added that the current imbalance in representation has created pressure on party leadership to reorganise and reconnect with voters.
The campaign theme, “Greater Accra Restoration”, has therefore become the foundation of his bid for regional chairman. He explained that the initiative seeks to restore confidence among party members and expand engagement in constituencies where support has weakened.
“It’s better to work towards the moon and get to the skies than to say the skies look too far. That is my philosophy. If you have 5 and you work hard towards 21 and you even end up with 14, that is almost three times what you have now. That’s 150%. When your fortunes go down so low, the opportunity for a good comeback is also very high.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye
He stressed that political recovery would require discipline, stronger grassroots structures and constant interaction with communities. Furthermore, he argued that rebuilding the party’s fortunes in Greater Accra could significantly improve its chances in the 2028 presidential election.
Additionally, he encouraged party supporters to pursue ambitious electoral targets even under difficult circumstances. He explained that political strategy must focus on long term gains instead of fear and uncertainty.
NPP Studies Economic Pressures And Youth Vote After Election Defeat
Okoe Boye attributed the electoral defeat of the New Patriotic Party to a combination of economic pressures, public perceptions and changing voter expectations. He explained that elections are influenced by several factors that influence public judgment during every political cycle.
According to him, issues such as employment opportunities, electricity costs and living conditions played a significant role in voter decisions during the 2024 polls. He further noted that political loyalty in some communities as an influence on electoral outcomes.
The former minister explained that areas including Ada, Sege and several coastal communities traditionally leaned towards the National Democratic Congress. He therefore urged party organisers to adopt more targeted and research driven methods to understand voter behaviour in such constituencies.
He argued that political engagement must become more scientific if parties hope to reverse entrenched voting patterns. Polling, voter studies and direct community interaction, he added, would help identify concerns affecting support for the party.
According to him, the conduct of some political actors also influenced public perception during the election period. He explained that voters closely observed the behaviour, communication style and attitude of party officials before making electoral choices.
He stated that many citizens expected humility and active listening from political leaders. In his assessment, a new generation of approachable and engaging party figures could gradually restore public confidence in the party.
The Former minister asserted that many young voters supported promises connected to public sector employment.
“The most populous section of the population in Ghana now is the youth, from 18 to about 45. They voted massively for the NDC. Why? Because the single biggest problem in this country for the youth is job opportunities.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye
The former MP particularly referenced the “1-3-3 employment strategy” promoted by the NDC during the campaign season. He disclosed that many young people embraced the idea because it created expectations of expanded recruitment opportunities within government institutions.
He however questioned the long term financial sustainability of the proposal. He argued that existing payroll constraints had already affected recruitment into public sector institutions under previous governments.
On the economy, he also challenged arguments that focused mainly on exchange rates and inflation figures. He explained that many households continue to judge economic performance through transport costs, electricity expenses and daily living conditions.
According to him, ordinary citizens compare present costs with their previous spending experiences. He cited rising domestic travel expenses and electricity purchases as examples frequently raised in conversations with voters.
He therefore called for a wider national discussion on living costs and economic realities. He added that political parties seeking public confidence must address the everyday experiences that determine voter sentiment across the country.
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