The National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will convene on January 2, 2025, in Accra to deliberate on critical issues following the party’s crushing defeat in the December 7 general elections.
This is the first official NEC meeting since the loss, which has relegated the party to a parliamentary minority after eight years in power.
A significant item on the agenda is the selection of the minority leadership for the 9th Parliament. The decision is seen as a litmus test for the party’s ability to project strength and unity in its new opposition role.
Prominent party figures, including Joseph Osei Owusu, the Bekwai MP and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, have advocated for Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the current majority leader, to lead the minority front. Afenyo-Markin’s supporters argue that his experience and political savvy position him as the best candidate to guide the NPP in Parliament during this challenging period.
However, the choice is expected to spark heated debates within the NEC, as other factions may push for alternative candidates to reflect the party’s evolving dynamics.
The NEC will also turn its attention to the reasons behind the NPP’s electoral defeat. Sources suggest the meeting will delve into critical areas such as campaign missteps, governance performance, and grassroots dissatisfaction.
The party’s leadership will be tasked with proposing actionable solutions to address these issues and ensure a stronger connection with its support base.
Reorganising party structures is another priority on the NEC’s agenda. Discussions will focus on revitalising local branches and fostering unity among party members as the NPP begins its rebuilding process.
The meeting is expected to emphasise strategies for holding the incoming administration accountable while preparing for a future political comeback.