The New Patriotic Party (NPP), has begun its rebuilding exercise even before the Aaron Mike Oquaye Committee, tasked with reviewing the party’s 2024 electoral defeat, will complete its work.
The former Speaker of Parliament, who chairs the committee, missed the March 31, 2025, deadline for submitting the report.
However, before any official explanation, Dr Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi Kwahu, hosted a gathering at his Rock City Hotel in Kwahu on Wednesday. The meeting brought together NPP MPs and party leadership to reflect and strategise towards victory in 2028.
Among the key figures present, were the party’s General Secretary, Justin Koduah; former President Nana Akufo-Addo, the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate; Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Dr Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate and former Vice President, commended the party’s MPs for their performance in the 9th Parliament, despite being in the minority.
“Many have likened you to the Minority of the 2nd Parliament, led by our father, J.H. Mensah,” he said. “The party will be forever grateful to you.”
He continued: “I call you ‘The Mighty Minority of 88 Infantry Battalion’, commanded by Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.”
Expressing his gratitude, he added: “My first reason for coming here is to say a big thank you to you directly, and through you, to the many in your constituencies who worked for us in various ways.”
Dr. Bawumia assured the MPs that he would soon visit their constituencies to express his appreciation in person.
“You were in the trenches with me and the party throughout the difficult moments of the campaign, and I don’t take it for granted that you have stood by the NPP and me, going out to do battle for us,” he said.
Ken Ohene Agyapong, former MP for Assin Central and a seasoned NPP politician, also addressed the Minority Caucus Workshop at Rock City Hotel.
Speaking to the 88-member NPP Minority in Parliament, he commended them for their dedication and performance during the first meeting of the 9th Parliament.
He reminded them of their critical role in shaping both the image and future of the party.
Drawing on his over two decades of parliamentary experience, Hon. Agyapong outlined the three key responsibilities of a parliamentarian: chamber work, committee duties, and constituency engagement. He urged MPs to balance these roles effectively, stressing that neglecting any aspect could hinder both personal growth and the party’s credibility.
Adopting a more measured and reflective tone than usual, Agyapong emphasised the importance of unity and discipline in ensuring victory in 2028.
He shared insights from his tenure on the Defence and Interior Committee, using personal experiences to highlight the value of consistency, humility, and strategic thinking in public service.
Observers described his 30-minute speech as one of his most composed and insightful interventions, leading many to speak of “the new Ken”—a figure of experience, introspection, and continued influence within the party.
The NPP’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, recently confirmed that the committee investigating the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election was expected to complete its work by the end of March 2025.
In the 2024 election, President John Dramani Mahama defeated the NPP’s Dr Bawumia to reclaim the presidency, while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a parliamentary majority, unseating several NPP members of parliament.
Speaking on Eyewitness News recently, Salam Mustapha highlighted the importance of the committee’s findings in shaping the NPP’s strategy for the 2028 elections.
“The party commissioned the Aaron Mike Oquaye Committee to review the [2024] elections. In fact, in 2020, even though we won, we still commissioned the Yaw Osafo-Marfo Committee to assess our performance, and they did a commendable job. We are now waiting for the Aaron Mike Oquaye Committee to conclude its work,” he stated.
He further explained: “I, along with other national executives, have appeared before the committee, which has also engaged stakeholders across all 16 regions and 276 constituencies. This is part of our reawakening process as we work towards rebuilding and reorganising the party for 2028. The committee is expected to finish its work by 31 March.”
The committee’s report is anticipated to provide critical insights into the party’s electoral performance and recommend strategies for a stronger comeback in the next election cycle.
It is not clear, why the work has been delayed.