Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has attributed John Boadu’s election as National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to his extensive experience and rise through the ranks of the party.
Professor Oquaye said Mr Boadu’s years of involvement in the NPP’s grassroots and organisational structures had given him a strong understanding of the party and the demands of its leadership.
Speaking on the Joy FM Super Morning Show on Monday, October 5, he described the newly elected chairman as an “exceptionally gifted political figure” who had accumulated considerable experience from various positions within the party.
According to Professor Oquaye, Mr Boadu’s political journey from the youth wing to the position of organiser and later General Secretary had equipped him with the knowledge required to lead the party.
“He knows where we came from. He knows where we intend to go. And he has got a clear vision of how to go,” he said.
Professor Oquaye said Mr Boadu also demonstrated his leadership credentials when he appeared before the NPP Council of Elders during the process leading to the election.
“When he came before the Council of Elders, he put his case so well across,” he said, describing Mr Boadu as “very, very brilliant.”
Experience at the grassroots
The former Speaker said Mr Boadu’s long association with the party had allowed him to work with different sections of the NPP and gain practical knowledge of its structures.
“He knows the ropes, and he has worked with these people in many, many capacities,” Professor Oquaye said.
He recalled that Mr Boadu played multiple organisational roles during the period when the NPP was working towards the election that eventually brought Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to power.
Professor Oquaye said Mr Boadu served as both secretary and organiser during a period when the party faced difficulties, experience which he said contributed to strengthening his credentials.
“When we had some difficulties at a time when we were working on the election that brought Nana Akufo-Addo to power, John Boadu worked both as the secretary and also the organiser,” he said.
“You can imagine, we won, and he continued.”
Close contest
Professor Oquaye, however, stressed that Mr Boadu was not the only qualified candidate in the chairmanship race.
He said the other contenders had also demonstrated long-standing commitment to the NPP and possessed knowledge of the party’s structures, political philosophy and role in Ghana.
He therefore described the contest as a difficult one, noting that the race was closely fought.
“So it was not an easy choice at all, and you could see that the race was very, very close,” he said.
Despite the competitiveness of the election, Professor Oquaye said the outcome demonstrated the depth of leadership available within the NPP.
“But that is the NPP for you. We’ve got the sons, we’ve got the daughters,” he added.
