NPP communicator Awal Mohammed has likened Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye’s bid for the Greater Accra Regional Chairmanship to the earlier leadership emergence of Ishmael Ashitey, describing both as strategic responses to difficult political moments within the party.
Speaking on internal party developments, he said regional chairmanship roles are traditionally occupied by individuals with strong organisational, financial, or senior leadership backgrounds within the party structure.
He explained that such positions are usually held by former constituency chairmen, major financiers, or experienced regional executives who have risen through the ranks.
Citing the 2012 political landscape, Mr. Mohammed recalled how former Member of Parliament and Minister of State, Ishmael Ashitey, entered the regional chairmanship race at a time when the NPP held only nine parliamentary seats in Greater Accra.
He noted that Ashitey’s decision was unexpected but came during a period when the party’s structures in the region were weakened and required rebuilding.
According to him, Ashitey’s experience in both Parliament and government played a significant role in reorganising and strengthening the party’s base in the region.
He further stated that the party’s performance in Greater Accra improved in subsequent elections, with parliamentary seats increasing from nine in 2008 to 14 in 2012, and later rising to 21 out of 34 seats in 2016.
Mr. Mohammed said the declaration of Dr. Okoe-Boye’s intention to contest the same position has brought renewed comparisons with that era of party rebuilding.
He observed that the party’s current standing in the region makes the contest particularly significant for its future electoral prospects.
Highlighting Dr. Okoe-Boye’s credentials, he described him as a medical doctor, lecturer and PhD holder with extensive experience in public administration and health governance.
He listed his previous roles, including Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, Board Chairman of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Minister of Health.
Mr. Mohammed said the combination of professional and political experience positions Dr. Okoe-Boye as a strong candidate for the regional leadership role.
He added that the bid reflects a broader effort to reposition and strengthen the NPP’s fortunes in Greater Accra ahead of future elections.
He concluded by expressing support for Dr. Okoe-Boye’s candidature, describing it as timely for the party’s rebuilding process.
