Aseidu Nketia has made the NDC extra sexy – Osei Owusu

Date: 2026-01-23 | Source: Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a candid critique that highlights the growing concerns within Ghana’s ruling party, Joseph Osei Owusu, the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee, has sounded a warning bell regarding the party’s current trajectory. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Member of Parliament for Bekwai expressed deep worry about the NPP’s organizational structure and its diminishing appeal among the youth. He notably credited the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, for making his party “extra sexy” through firm leadership, a factor he believes is causing young voters to drift away from the NPP.

This article analyzes Osei Owusu’s statements, exploring the dynamics of party discipline, leadership competence, and the urgent need for internal reforms to revitalize the NPP’s political brand.

Key Points

Background

The State of the NPP

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), currently the governing party in Ghana, faces a critical juncture as it prepares for future electoral cycles. While the party has held power through various democratic transitions, internal fissures and a perceived lack of organizational cohesion have been points of contention. The party’s ability to retain the youth vote—a demographic crucial for electoral victory—has come under scrutiny.

Key Figures Involved

Joseph Osei Owusu: As the Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee, he plays a pivotal role in vetting and managing the party’s flagbearer processes. His public concern signals a significant level of internal anxiety.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia: The General Secretary of the NDC (often referred to as Chairman), known for his assertive and disciplined leadership style. His tenure has seen the NDC maintain a strong organizational identity.

Boakye Agyarko: A former Minister for Energy and a prominent member of the NPP, identified by Osei Owusu as a potential agent of change for the party’s chairmanship.

Analysis

The “Sexy” Factor: Organizational Discipline vs. Charisma

When Osei Owusu stated that Asiedu Nketia made the NDC “extra sexy,” he was not referring to physical appearance but to the political allure that comes with strong, disciplined leadership. In political science, “sexiness” in a party context often translates to dynamism, clarity of purpose, and the ability to project strength.

The NDC, under Asiedu Nketia’s stewardship, has maintained a disciplined front, often presenting a unified voice during political contests. In contrast, the NPP has faced public spats and perceived organizational laxity. Osei Owusu’s analysis suggests that the youth are naturally drawn to environments that project authority and competence—qualities he feels are currently lacking in the NPP’s executive structure.

The Shift in Youth Demographics

Osei Owusu’s anecdote about young people in his own home switching allegiance is a microcosm of a broader trend. Historically, the NPP has enjoyed significant support among the youth, particularly in urban centers. However, the frustration expressed by the committee chairman indicates a vulnerability. The drift toward the NDC is attributed to “executive role” issues; when a party leadership appears indecisive or overly factionalized, it loses the confidence of younger voters who seek stability and direction.

The Trap of Popularity Over Competence

A critical point in Osei Owusu’s critique is the internal electoral mechanism of the NPP. He argues that the party often “favors recognition over competence.” This is a common challenge in democratic institutions where name recognition and existing networks can overshadow the meritocratic selection of candidates. By prioritizing popularity, the party risks electing leaders who may win internal votes but lack the strategic discipline to manage the party effectively and appeal to the broader electorate.

Practical Advice

Strategies for NPP Revitalization

Based on Osei Owusu’s insights, political parties can adopt several strategies to enhance their appeal and organizational integrity:

• Merit-Based Selection: Parties should implement rigorous vetting processes for internal elections that prioritize administrative competence and strategic vision over mere name recognition.
• Youth Engagement Programs: To counter the drift to opposition, parties must create structured platforms for youth participation, ensuring their concerns are addressed in party manifestos.
• Disciplinary Frameworks: Establishing clear codes of conduct for party executives and members can foster a culture of discipline, reducing public infighting.
• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Identifying potential leaders like Boakye Agyarko early and grooming them for executive roles ensures a pipeline of competent candidates ready to step up.

FAQ

Conclusion

Joseph Osei Owusu’s comments on Ekosii Sen serve as a stark wake-up call for the New Patriotic Party. By highlighting the disciplined leadership of the NDC’s Johnson Asiedu Nketia, he underscores a fundamental truth in politics: organization and discipline are the bedrocks of electoral appeal. The reported drift of youth voters to the opposition is not merely a policy issue but a symptom of perceived leadership vacuums. As the NPP looks toward future elections, the emphasis on competence over popularity—exemplified by figures like Boakye Agyarko—may well determine its ability to reclaim its “sexy” status and win back the trust of the Ghanaian electorate.