Oquaye Report to revitalise NPP for 2028 – Bawumia

In a decisive moment for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has praised the newly unveiled Oquaye Report as a visionary framework for political renewal and national progress.
Speaking at the NPP headquarters in Accra, he described the document not as a mere collection of recommendations, but as “a clarion call to duty and transformation,” stressing its role in revitalising the party’s democratic foundations and preparing it for the 2024 general elections and beyond.

A call to action, not just a document
At the core of Dr Bawumia’s message was a call for the NPP to re-examine its internal systems and re-energise its base through the reforms proposed in the Oquaye Report.
“The Oquaye Report is not just a document. It is a call to action—an urgent reminder that we must pursue our democratic values with even greater resolve,” he stated.
The report, named after its principal architect, former Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, was commissioned to review the party’s internal workings and recommend a roadmap for long-term sustainability.
Dr Bawumia highlighted that its findings go beyond party politics, touching on themes of national development, economic freedom, and governance.

Strategic blueprint
The Oquaye Report is designed to serve several strategic purposes.
At its most immediate level, it provides a framework for strengthening internal democracy within the NPP, ensuring transparency, enhancing inclusiveness, and building structures that resonate with Ghana’s youthful population.
According to Dr Bawumia, the report outlines measures to reform internal elections, streamline party communications, empower grassroots structures, and improve youth engagement.
“If we are to retain the confidence of Ghanaians and inspire a new generation of patriots, then we must be bold in implementing these reforms,” he urged.
But beyond internal matters, the report also doubles as a policy compass—aimed at consolidating constitutional democracy and promoting economic freedom throughout Ghana.
Dr Bawumia noted that it includes actionable insights on decentralisation, private enterprise, and national development, making it “a working manual—one that speaks to our generation and the next.”

Shaping party and national policy
The NPP flagbearer revealed that portions of the report would be integrated into the party’s 2024 manifesto.
“The work of the Oquaye Committee reflects not only deep intellectual rigour but also a firm understanding of our party’s values and the aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” he said.
He added that the recommendations would serve as both political strategy and a governance guide, aligning closely with the NPP’s core ideals of transparency, accountability, and national development.
“This report is not about blame; it is about learning and growing stronger.
“The NPP has always risen from challenges, and this time will be no different,” Dr Bawumia emphasised.

A new kind of Thank You Tour
In a move that breaks with tradition, Dr Bawumia announced that the upcoming NPP Thank You Tour will not be a solo effort but a united front featuring party leaders and his former rivals from the presidential primaries.
He specifically mentioned Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh as key figures invited to join the nationwide outreach.
“Because I want us to be united, that is why I am departing from the normal Thank You Tour.
“Normally, the presidential candidate just goes ahead to do the thank you tour. But I am doing it differently this time, and it is because I want unity,” he stated.
He explained that the tour, expected to cover all 16 regions, would serve not only as a gesture of gratitude to the party’s base but also as a platform to project solidarity and communicate the party’s renewed vision anchored in the Oquaye Report.

Positioning for 2024—and beyond
Dr Bawumia clinched the NPP’s flagbearer slot with 61.43% of the vote in the primaries, defeating a strong slate of contenders.
His emphasis on unity and reform appears to be a conscious effort to bring together the various factions within the party ahead of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested election in December 2024.
“This is not just a report for leadership; it is a document for every member of the NPP family. Let us embrace it, implement it, and march together towards victory in December,” he said passionately.
He also expressed satisfaction with the work of the Oquaye Committee, describing it as timely and necessary.
“The report reflects a deep understanding of our party’s dynamics and offers pragmatic steps for improvement,” he stated.

A party at a crossroads
The launch of the Oquaye Report and the subsequent unity-themed Thank You Tour mark a defining moment for the NPP. According to Dr Bawumia, the party stands at a crucial crossroads, and the only way forward is through reform, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
“We must listen more, act better, and remain united as we prepare for the 2024 general elections,” he concluded.
“It is not time for primaries and it is not about winning a primary. What we are doing is building a party machinery that can win the general election. If you win the primary and cannot win the general election, then it is a useless victory.”
The NPP’s Thank You Tour, which begins on Saturday, will not only thank delegates and supporters but will also seek to build momentum for the future—a future that, if guided by the Oquaye Report, promises transformation, unity, and victory.