The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing a critical juncture, with former General Secretary John Boadu warning that academia is slipping away from the party. Boadu attributes this drift to the NPP’s failure to connect with young people and intellectuals, emphasizing that the party’s future hinges on reversing this trend.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Boadu highlighted the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) growing influence in academic circles, stating, “You can now see that academia, for instance, looks like the NDC is having a lot of them as we speak now”. He stressed that the NPP’s inability to build meaningful relationships with scholars is a significant weakness.
Boadu emphasized that young professionals and academics are seeking recognition and a sense of belonging, rather than material gain or appointments. He urged the NPP to engage with youth in their own spaces, tapping into their interests and concerns. “The solution is to get into their arena and their interest and deal with them,” he said.
With 60% of voters expected to be between 18 and 40 years old by 2028, Boadu stressed that the NPP must adapt its approach to win over this demographic. He suggested involving popular musicians like Shatta Wale in campaigns, but emphasized that this should be part of a broader effort to connect with young people.
Boadu’s warning comes as the NPP seeks to recover from its 2024 defeat and rebuild its support base. His comments highlight the party’s need to rethink its strategy and prioritize engagement with youth and intellectuals.