3 Experts Analyse NPP’s Road to 2028: Record, Credibility and Rebuilding Trust
Three political experts say the New Patriotic Party’s road to the 2028 elections will be shaped by its ability to rebuild public trust, address perceptions of past governance and present credible solutions to national challenges. While the early election of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer gives the party time to reorganise, analysts warn that unity, credibility and voter confidence will be decisive factors.
Mary Adofo
Political analysts say the New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces a challenging but not impossible path to the 2028 general elections, following the election of former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate.
In separate assessments, three political experts have identified governance record, credibility, party unity and public trust as the critical factors that will shape the NPP’s electoral fortunes.
Political scientist Dr John Osae-Kwapong says while Dr Bawumia’s early nomination gives the party ample time to organise, the NPP must confront public perceptions of its previous administration. According to him, economic hardship experienced by many Ghanaians during the party’s last term remains fresh in voters’ minds and cannot be ignored.
He notes that the party’s ability to acknowledge past challenges and clearly communicate lessons learned will be crucial in rebuilding confidence among undecided voters.
For Dr Gbensuglo Alidu Bukari, Head of Political Science at the University for Development Studies, the early selection of a flagbearer presents both an opportunity and a risk. He explains that the long campaign period allows the NPP to rebuild its grassroots base and refine its message, but also exposes the candidate to prolonged public scrutiny and political attacks.
Dr Bukari adds that credibility will be central to the campaign, stressing that voters will expect clear and practical solutions to issues such as unemployment, cost of living and economic recovery.
Pollster Mussa Dankwah of Global InfoAnalytics highlights the importance of public trust, noting that internal party unity alone will not guarantee electoral success. He explains that national elections are determined by the broader electorate, not party delegates, and that current public sentiment suggests the NPP must work harder to reconnect with voters who feel disillusioned.
According to him, data from previous elections shows that parties that fail to address voter concerns early often struggle to recover momentum closer to election day.
The experts agree that the NPP’s chances in 2028 will depend largely on how effectively it rebuilds trust, manages internal cohesion and presents a convincing vision for Ghana’s future. As preparations begin in earnest, they caution that performance, not promises, will ultimately shape voter decisions.
