Henry Nana Boakye, an aspirant for the position of National First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Thursday filed his nomination forms at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.
Mr. Boakye submitted his forms to the National Elections Committee in the presence of party executives, elders, TESCON members, sitting and former Members of Parliament, and journalists who had gathered to witness the filing.
“Not in Search of a Title, But in Answer to a Call to Serve”
Addressing the gathering afterward, Mr. Boakye said he was filing with “gratitude to Almighty God and a deep sense of responsibility,” and thanked the friends, supporters, and party faithful whose “prayers, sacrifices and confidence” had carried him throughout his political journey.
He recalled that he had stood in the same spot before to file for the positions of National Youth Organiser and National Organiser, both of which the party subsequently entrusted him to hold. “Today, I return to seek a higher responsibility,” he said, “not in search of a title, but in answer to a call to serve.”
Mr. Boakye described the NPP as his political home for twenty-six uninterrupted years, saying he had served the party “in moments of victory” and “remained faithful in difficult times,” whether the assignment was public or quiet.
A Record Built From the Grassroots
Tracing his political career, Mr. Boakye said his journey began at the grassroots, where he served as a Polling Station Chairman in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Oforikrom constituencies, on a constituency campaign team, and as a constituency communications officer. He went on to serve as TESCON President at both the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as Director of Events and Programmes of the National Youth Wing, and later as National Youth Organiser.
He also listed service on the Ashanti Regional Campaign Team, the National Communications Team, the 2020 Presidential Election Petition Legal Team, and the national campaign teams for the 2020 and 2024 elections, in addition to his roles as National Organiser and as a member of the National Steering Committee, the National Executive Committee, and the National Council.
“I recount this record not because length of service gives anyone an automatic right to leadership,” he said, “but it is my personal belief that length of service shows preparation for responsibility.” He noted that while he is the youngest aspirant in the contest, he is “the only aspirant who has served at every level of the party, from the polling station and constituency, through the region, to the national leadership.”
“The Right Man at the Right Time”
Mr. Boakye told the gathering that he offers “the energy of youth, the benefit of experience and a record of tested service,” adding that his years in the party had taught him that decisions made at the national level “only become meaningful when they are understood, accepted and carried out by our members on the ground.”
He declared, with what he described as humility but firm conviction, that he is “the right man at the right time for National First Vice Chairman.” Referencing the party’s defeat in the 2024 election, he said the moment called for “honest reflection, reconciliation and renewal,” and for a leader who can “reconnect leadership with the grassroots” and organise the party for victory in 2028.
Citing Articles 10(4) and 10(5) of the NPP’s constitution, Mr. Boakye said he understood the First Vice Chairman’s duty to support the National Chairman and “hold the fort whenever required,” describing himself as “an avowed team player” who would promote cooperation among national officers rather than create a competing centre of authority. “We cannot rebuild the NPP while fighting one another,” he said. “The NPP cannot win in 2028 while fighting itself.”
He further described himself as “bold, fearless and experienced,” telling the crowd that he had “never needed a position before speaking for the New Patriotic Party or standing with its members,” and that the office would simply give him “a wider platform” to continue using the voice he already has in defence of the party and its grassroots.
Pledge on Welfare, Unity and 2028
Mr. Boakye raised the welfare of party officers and grassroots members as a matter close to his heart, noting that many give their time and resources to the NPP “often without recognition.” He pledged that, if elected, he would work with the national executives to champion “a well-structured, sustainable and transparent welfare policy” for party officers and members nationwide, stressing that “welfare must not be an afterthought.”
He outlined his priorities as uniting the party, reconnecting leadership with the grassroots, strengthening members’ welfare, and organising “relentlessly for victory in 2028,” saying every region, constituency, and polling station must be part of the party’s rebuilding effort.
Mr. Boakye closed his remarks with a solemn pledge to work with every level of the party to return the NPP to government and to ensure that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia becomes President of Ghana in 2028, stressing that the work “begins now — not in 2027, and not when the campaign season arrives.” He appealed to delegates to consider his record, preparedness, and commitment, pledging to serve “with humility, courage and loyalty” if given the mandate.
He closed with the words “Kukrudu! Thank you,” to applause from the gathering.
What Happens Next
With his nomination now filed, Mr. Boakye joins the field of aspirants vying for the position of National First Vice Chairman. The Elections Committee is expected to close nominations for all national executive positions within the coming days, after which vetting will take place ahead of the party’s national delegates’ conference.
