New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has officially filed his nomination to contest for a second term, promising to consolidate reforms within the party and intensify preparations for the 2028 general elections.
Speaking to party members and supporters after submitting his nomination, Mr Kodua said he was seeking another mandate to complete the organisational rebuilding process he believes began during his first term.
He described himself as “prepared, well-positioned and focused” to continue leading the party’s national secretariat, citing his experience and engagement with the NPP’s grassroots structures as key strengths.
Mr Kodua acknowledged that the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections was painful but said the outcome should provide important lessons for the party rather than weaken its political tradition.
“Defeat must never destroy a noble political tradition. Defeat must teach us golden lessons. Defeat must humble us,” he said.
Kodua touts organisational reforms
Mr Kodua highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his tenure, including the establishment of a functional legal directorate, efforts to strengthen internal democracy and constitutional reforms.
He also cited an expanded communications structure, the operationalisation of the Patriotic Institute and the revival of the party’s Sector Committees.
Other initiatives, he said, included work on the Executive Manual and the establishment of structures to support continuous political strategy and election preparation.
“These are not slogans. They are structures. They are reforms. They are foundations upon which we must now build,” he said.
Mr Kodua also defended the NPP’s decision to elect its presidential candidate ahead of the 2028 elections, arguing that the early selection had reduced uncertainty and provided the party with an opportunity to focus on rebuilding.
‘2028 will not be won in 2028’
Early preparation for the 2028 elections remains a central part of Mr Kodua’s campaign.
He argued that the party’s chances of returning to power would depend largely on the groundwork laid well before the election year.
“2028 will not be won in 2028. That preparation must begin now,” he said.
He pledged to prioritise the mobilisation and transparent distribution of campaign resources, particularly to constituency structures responsible for the party’s grassroots operations.
Mr Kodua also proposed early processes for selecting parliamentary candidates to allow adequate time for internal disputes to be resolved and for the party to present a united front ahead of the elections.
He further promised coordinated training and orientation for party officers from the polling-station level to the national leadership.
According to him, party officers should not merely occupy positions but must be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills required to perform their responsibilities.
Welfare of party members
The NPP General Secretary also made the welfare of party activists and officers a key component of his second-term campaign.
He acknowledged concerns among members who have committed their time, resources and livelihoods to the party and called for stronger systems to support them.
“The welfare of our officers must matter. Their development must matter. Their opportunities must matter. Their dignity must matter,” he said.
Mr Kodua pledged to work with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and other party leaders to ensure that the concerns of grassroots members receive greater attention.
Calls for unity
Mr Kodua also appealed to members to put internal disagreements behind them after party elections.
He said internal contests should not result in permanent divisions, stressing the need for members to reunite and work towards the broader interests of the party after elections.
“Our internal contests must never become permanent wars. After each internal election, we should be able to embrace each other, shake hands, and collaborate once more,” he said.
He urged party members to focus their attention on rebuilding the NPP rather than prolonging internal disputes.
Makes case for second term
Making the case for his re-election, Mr Kodua said his experience at the national secretariat, knowledge of the party’s structures and accessibility to grassroots members placed him in a strong position to lead the next phase of the NPP’s rebuilding.
“I submit myself to you once again. Not because the work is finished. I submit myself because the work must be finished,” he said.
He urged delegates to view his candidacy as a request for a mandate to complete the party’s organisational reforms and strengthen its preparations for the 2028 elections.
Mr Kodua said his decision to seek re-election was motivated not by personal ambition but by his desire to help rebuild the NPP and restore public confidence in the party.
He expressed confidence in working with a future National Chairman, Dr Bawumia and other party leaders to unite the NPP and position it to recapture political power in 2028.
Concluding his address, Mr Kodua called on delegates to support his bid and pledged to remain committed to the party’s grassroots.
“I stayed at the post when the storm came. I helped hold the Party together when the road became difficult. I have started the reforms. I know the work that remains. And today, I ask for your mandate to finish it,” he said.
He said the NPP’s immediate task was to rebuild its structures, restore confidence among its members and regain the trust of Ghanaians ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
