Ghana’s Fourth Republic has largely been shaped by competition between the two dominant political parties—the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Since the return to constitutional rule in 1992, both parties have alternated in government, making their internal organisation, leadership choices and electoral strategies matters of national interest.
As Ghana gradually moves toward the 2028 general elections, both the NDC and the NPP are once again undergoing significant internal political developments. One notable feature of this emerging political environment is the increasing prominence of young people at the forefront of party activities, leadership and, potentially, governance.
The question, therefore, is whether Ghana is witnessing a genuine generational change in political leadership or simply a reshuffling of the same political structures with younger faces.
The NPP’s Internal Reorganisation
The New Patriotic Party has already undertaken key administrative processes leading to the election of its national executives. The completion of these processes provides the party with an opportunity to reorganise, rebuild its structures and position itself for the next electoral contest.
Following its defeat in the 2024 general elections, the NPP faces the difficult task of reflecting on what went wrong, rebuilding confidence among its supporters and presenting itself as a credible alternative ahead of 2028.
The party’s internal processes will therefore go beyond simply electing executives. They will also test the ability of the party to manage disagreements, balance competing interests and prepare for a possible generational transition.
One important question is whether the new leadership will be able to unite the party and respond effectively to calls for reform, particularly from younger members who want greater opportunities to participate in decision-making.
The NDC Begins Its Own Internal Process
The National Democratic Congress, which currently holds the reins of government, is also beginning its internal electoral processes. The party’s nominations are underway as it prepares for constituency-level and national executive elections, with the process expected to culminate in the election of national executives in December.
For the governing NDC, these internal elections come with a different set of responsibilities.
While the party is in government, it must simultaneously manage the expectations of its members, maintain party cohesion and support the government in delivering on its promises to the electorate.
The challenge is how the party can prevent internal competition from becoming a source of division while ensuring that its structures remain active and responsive to the changing political expectations of Ghanaians.
The Youth Taking Centre Stage
Perhaps one of the most interesting developments in Ghanaian politics is the growing visibility of the youth.
Young people constitute a significant proportion of Ghana’s population and electorate, yet concerns have consistently been raised about their representation in political leadership and decision-making.
Increasingly, young politicians and party activists are demanding greater space within the leadership structures of the NDC and NPP.
The debate is no longer simply about allowing young people to campaign, organise rallies or mobilise voters. The bigger question is whether they are being given meaningful opportunities to formulate policies, occupy strategic positions and influence the direction of their respective parties.
This raises an important issue: Are Ghana’s political parties genuinely preparing the next generation of leaders, or are young people being used primarily as electoral foot soldiers?
Political Parties and the Question of Leadership
Leadership will be central to the political developments between now and 2028.
For both parties, the next few years will involve difficult conversations about succession, competence, experience, generational change and electability.
The NPP will have to determine who can lead the party back to power after its 2024 defeat. The NDC, meanwhile, will have to manage the transition that comes with being the governing party while preparing for the next electoral battle.
Beyond personalities, however, Ghanaians are increasingly interested in what political parties stand for.
Voters want to know whether the parties can offer practical solutions to unemployment, the cost of living, economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure and corruption.
Consequently, the 2028 election may not only be a contest between individuals. It could also become a test of competing ideas, policies and visions for Ghana’s future.
Internal Democracy and Party Governance
Another important issue is the state of internal democracy within Ghana’s political parties.
Do party members have genuine opportunities to choose their leaders? Are internal elections transparent and competitive? How are disagreements handled? Are party structures sufficiently independent, or do influential individuals exercise too much control over decision-making?
These questions matter because the quality of internal democracy within political parties can influence the quality of national governance.
If political parties are unable to tolerate internal dissent, encourage debate and promote competent leadership, it becomes difficult to expect those same principles to flourish when the parties take control of the state.
The Road to 2028
Although the 2028 elections are still some distance away, the political groundwork has already begun.
The internal elections of the NDC and NPP will determine much more than who occupies party positions. They will influence the parties’ organisational strength, messaging, candidate selection and ability to connect with an increasingly demanding electorate.
The coming period could therefore be described as a political testing ground.
The NPP must rebuild. The NDC must consolidate its position in government. Both parties must respond to the aspirations of young Ghanaians. And both must convince voters that their leadership structures can produce the kind of governance the country needs.
The critical question is whether Ghana’s political parties will use this period to undertake genuine transformation or simply prepare for another electoral contest based largely on personalities, patronage and political mobilisation.
As the country moves toward 2028, leadership, youth participation, internal party democracy and the quality of governance will increasingly come under scrutiny.
The choices the NDC and NPP make now could determine not only who wins the next election, but also the direction of Ghanaian politics and governance for years to come.
Story by: Alexander Kukah