The New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Saturday, July 19, 2025, turned what many saw as an electoral setback into a powerful springboard for resurgence. At the party’s National Delegates Conference held at the University of Ghana Stadium, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin delivered a rousing address that electrified the base and set the tone for what he called an “unstoppable return” in 2028.
With over 5,500 delegates gathered, Afenyo-Markin framed the NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections not as a defeat, but as a “crucible moment” that would refine and strengthen the party for its next chapter.
His stirring speech combined a powerful defense of the NPP’s legacy, a blistering critique of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), and a passionate call for unity, discipline, and renewed grassroots energy.
Unmasking the NDC: A sham of a govt
In one of the speech’s most scathing segments, Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of betraying the public trust within months of taking office.
He cited the immediate introduction of a GH₵1 per litre fuel levy as emblematic of the party’s disregard for the average Ghanaian. “Barely months into their tenure, the betrayal of the NDC is glaring,” he declared.
He accused the NDC of abandoning its anti-galamsey pledge, failing to declare a national emergency despite widespread illegal mining, and launching what he termed a “brazen assault on our judiciary,” beginning with “shameful vilification” of the Chief Justice.
He described the government’s actions as a threat to democracy, alleging efforts to divert mineral wealth to cronies and highlighting the violent Ablekuma North by-election rerun as evidence of democratic backsliding.
NPP’s record
Turning to the NPP’s own record, Afenyo-Markin outlined the unprecedented challenges the party faced while in government. From the inherited banking sector crisis to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and a hung Parliament, he painted a picture of a party that had governed with courage under extreme pressure.
“No government in our democratic history faced this scale of compounded crisis,” he stated.
“Yet, with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the driving seat, we held the line.”
He credited the administration with restoring financial stability, achieving strong GDP growth, building robust foreign exchange reserves, expanding road infrastructure, and implementing transformative policies such as Free SHS, 1D1F, and the digitisation of public services.
Unity as the path forward
Afenyo-Markin’s rallying cry was centred on unity and discipline. Drawing inspiration from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political comeback, he urged party members to embrace humility and collective purpose over personal ambition.
“We cannot—we must not—allow 2024 to become the year that destroyed the NPP!” he warned. “Ambition must never override party loyalty. No individual is bigger than the NPP.”
He proposed a four-pillar framework for the party’s resurgence: Unbreakable Unity, Unyielding Values, Reinvented Grassroots Mobilisation, and Authentic Rebranding through Success. These pillars, he argued, would serve as the foundation for reclaiming power in 2028.
Engaging the youth: TESCON as the party’s engine
A significant portion of his address was devoted to the role of young people in the party. He called on TESCON, the party’s tertiary student wing, to be the “energy, voice, and conscience” of the NPP.
“You, the youth, are not just the future of this Party—you are its energy,” he declared.
He urged young members to learn from elders rather than insult them, and to lead with clarity, respect, and purpose.
Redemption through renewal
Reflecting on the loss in 2024, Afenyo-Markin dismissed narratives of failure, pointing instead to the party’s resilience. “We shall rise again.
The elephant has only stumbled. It has not been defeated,” he affirmed.
He warned against internal divisions and called for an end to hate campaigns, subtle sabotage, and self-serving ambitions.
Quoting former President John Agyekum Kufuor, he reminded delegates, “It is better to be a cleaner in a party in power than to be the general secretary of a party in opposition.”
Critique of NDC governance
Afenyo-Markin delivered a scathing review of the NDC’s short time in power, citing fuel price hikes, the ineffective galamsey fight, and attempts to undermine judicial independence.
He accused President Mahama of taking credit for NPP achievements and disguising them as fresh policy, particularly referencing the touted “24-hour economy” initiative.
“They are simply rebranding our achievements and marketing them as their own. Let no one be deceived,” he warned.
Development in Freedom
Closing his address, the Minority Leader urged the party to recommit to its founding principles and to the theme of the conference: “Rebuilding Together with Our Values.”
“Let us reclaim the spirit that built this party—a spirit of sacrifice, of loyalty, of conviction. We’ve done it before. We can do it again,” he said.
The two-day conference, running from July 19 to 20, focused on reviewing constitutional amendments and re-strategising for the future.
It brought together party stalwarts, regional leaders, MPs, and thousands of grassroots members, all united by a shared mission: to rise, rebuild, and return to power in 2028.
With the elephant regathering its strength, the NPP is signalling a new era—disciplined, determined, and driven by its values.
The road to 2028 has begun, and the NPP believes its best days lie ahead.
