The Former Acting Managing Director of Ghana Cylinder Company, Frances Essiam, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to change its leadership structure ahead of the party’s efforts to regain power in 2028.

She argued that the current national executives must take responsibility for the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections and make way for new leaders capable of rebuilding the party’s grassroots support. Ms Essiam explained that the party’s electoral setback resulted from strategic failures among its leadership, adding that a new team with commitment and competence would help restore confidence among members and supporters.

According to her, the NPP requires executives who can unite the party’s internal structures and develop strategies that can strengthen its chances in future elections. She pointed to the performance of the party in Greater Accra and the Ashanti Region as examples of areas where leadership weaknesses contributed to the defeat of the party’s parliamentary candidates.

The Former Acting Director referenced the roles of personalities including Henry Quartey, Titus Glover, John Boadu and Eugene Boakye Antwi while discussing the need for experienced figures to help reposition the party. She emphasised that the party’s previous electoral dominance was affected by poor coordination and inadequate planning among some executives who were responsible for leading the campaign.

“The current executives must leave. Let us sweep the Augean stables clean and move on with a fresh breath and a fresh wind.”
Frances Essiam

Ms Essiam further appealed to NPP delegates to consider leadership qualities such as competence, honesty and the ability to mobilise members when choosing executives for the next administration of the party. She endorsed Eugene Boakye Antwi as one of the individuals capable of leading the party’s recovery process, describing him as someone with experience and the ability to reconnect the party with its base.

The Former Acting Director explained that Mr Antwi’s experience in party organisation and public service could contribute to building a stronger political structure ahead of the 2028 elections. Furthermore, she noted that combining his efforts with those of experienced party figures including John Boadu and others could provide the direction needed to strengthen the NPP.

Analysing the party’s internal challenges, Ms Essiam argued that leadership positions should serve the interest of the party and its members instead of becoming a competition for personal influence. She cautioned that political parties require disciplined and committed leadership to survive electoral setbacks and rebuild their structures effectively.

Ms Essiam urged delegates to prioritise individuals with proven records and the capacity to unite different groups within the party during upcoming internal elections. She further emphasised that rebuilding the party would require leaders who can develop practical strategies, strengthen communication and reconnect with voters across the country.

Bold Leadership Needed To Restore Party’s Electoral Strength

The Former Acting Managing Director of Ghana Cylinder Company, Frances Essiam, also urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise bold and decisive leadership as it prepares for the 2028 general elections. She explained that the party requires executives with the courage to take difficult decisions, enforce discipline and provide a clear direction for members after the recent electoral defeat.

According to her, leadership within the NPP must be built around competence, honesty and commitment to the party’s long term objectives. Ms Essiam argued that effective political leadership goes beyond holding positions and requires individuals who can inspire members, manage challenges and develop strategies capable of attracting public support.

She described the current period as a critical moment for the party, noting that the next set of executives must possess the ability to unite different groups and rebuild confidence among supporters. The Former Acting Director referenced the leadership approach of former NPP figures including Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, and Dan Botwe while explaining the importance of firmness in political administration. She added that the call for strong leadership should not be interpreted as aggression, explaining that political leaders must demonstrate courage and consistency when handling difficult situations.

“Boldness means facing the storms, facing the odds and making sure you keep the ship or the boat afloat.”
Frances Essiam

Ms Essiam also rejected what she considered an overemphasis on personal interests within party leadership, urging executives to focus on service, loyalty and commitment to organisational growth. She explained that Mr Antwi’s approach, combined with the contributions of other experienced party members such as John Boadu and Kwasi, could help create a more coordinated leadership structure.

Discussing the qualities required for future executives, Ms Essiam highlighted competence, capacity and loyalty as essential attributes needed to guide the NPP through its current challenges. She noted that political parties require leaders who can communicate effectively with members and make decisions that strengthen internal structures.

Furthermore, the Former Acting Director criticised leadership styles that encourage divisions and factions, stressing that unity remains important for any political organisation seeking electoral success. She urged delegates to examine the records and abilities of candidates before making decisions during future party elections.

From her perspective, the NPP’s recovery would depend on selecting executives who understand the concerns of members and possess the experience required to rebuild the party. The Former Acting Director added that strong leadership would help the party regain its footing and present a more organised front ahead of the next national elections.