Johnson Ayine: A Voice Demanding Development for Upper East
Johnson Ayine, an outspoken contender for the Communications Director position of the Upper East branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has become a prominent advocate for development in the region. His unfiltered criticism and bold advocacy have resonated with many residents who feel let down by the slow pace of progress. Ayine, drawing from his experience as the former Regional Deputy Communication Director, has openly challenged the Upper East Regional Minister. He insists that, with his extensive network and political influence, the Minister has no excuse for failing to secure the region’s fair share of national development. “With his links, you have bargaining power. Your bargaining power is 15 MPs, 100% score. So, you have also given me the development. We are not seeing it,” Ayine declared, underlining his frustration. The aspiring Communications Director’s criticism extends to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament. According to Ayine, the people’s faith in the NDC’s “Agenda 15-15” has not been rewarded. “They campaigned on Agenda 15-15 and delivered it well. Now, compare the votes that they had to what we are receiving as a result of it. It’s nothing to write home about,” he said, reflecting the widespread disappointment across the region. Ayine pointed to specific examples of unfulfilled promises, such as the stalled regional airport project. He recalled a particularly disappointing moment when the Buffer Stock Regional boss announced that President John Dramani Mahama would soon inaugurate the airport, a promise that remains unfulfilled to this day. But Ayine’s concerns go beyond unfinished projects. He accused some politicians of sidelining key community leaders, including Gabriel Agambila and Alagumgube, from the Airport project. This, he argued, has led to the hijacking and mismanagement of development efforts. He also challenged seasoned political figures, like Donatus Akamugri, to use their influence more effectively. “Every government comes in this Akamugri’s life. So, you mean the man is not actually living up to his expectations? He should make good use of his network,” Ayine remarked. Despite the Upper East Region being home to parliamentary heavyweights such as the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Ayine lamented the region’s continued lack of major development projects. “How can you have a Majority Leader from the Upper East, the Chairman of the Finance Committee from the Upper East, and still not get your share of major projects?” he questioned. Ayine’s message is clear: the people of the Upper East Region deserve better. He called for urgent, effective leadership and strong advocacy to secure the region’s rightful share of national development, especially in crucial sectors like roads, agriculture, and infrastructure. His words serve both as a warning to current leaders and a rallying cry for citizens to demand more from those in power. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The New Patriotic Party (NPP): A History and Leadership Directory (1992 to Present) – Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a major centre-right political party in Ghana, established on 28 July 1992 during the national transition to multi-party constitutional governance under the Fourth Republic. Rooted in the historic Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition—named in honour of founding figures Dr J. B. Danquah, Chief S. D. Dombo, and Dr K. A. Busia—the party advocates liberal conservatism, a property-owning democracy, free-market economics, and individual freedom. With the elephant as its symbol and red, white, and blue as its colours, the NPP operates under the motto “Development in Freedom”. Alongside the National Democratic Congress (NDC), it forms one of the two primary forces in Ghanaian politics. The party contested its first presidential election in 1992 under Professor Albert Adu Boahen, subsequently achieving national executive governance under Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor (2001–2009) and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (2017–2025). The party’s administrative leadership is anchored by its National Chairman and supported by the General Secretary. Over the years, the party has elected capable individuals to these key positions. National Chairmen 1. B. J. da Rocha (1992–1995): Inaugural National Chairman 2. Peter Ala Adjetey (1995–1998) 3. Samuel Odoi-Sykes (1998–2001): Led the party through the 2000 election victory 4. Harona Esseku (2001–2005) 5. Peter Mac Manu (2005–2010) 6. Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey (2010–2014) 7. Paul Afoko (2014–2015): Suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee in October 2015 8. Freddie Blay (2015–2022): Served in an acting capacity from October 2015; elected substantively in July 2018 9. Stephen Ntim (2022–present): Elected at the National Delegates Conference in July 2022 General Secretaries 1. Joseph Agyenim Boateng (1992–1998): Inaugural General Secretary 2. Dan Botwe (1998–2005) 3. Nana Ohene Ntow (2005–2010) 4. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) (2010–2014) 5. Kwabena Agyapong (2014–2015): Suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee in December 2015 6. John Boadu (2015–2022): Served in an acting capacity from December 2015; elected substantively in July 2018 7. Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK) (2022–present): Elected at the National Delegates Conference in July 2022 Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD) Member of the National Council of NPP Former Upper West Regional Minister Former Upper West Regional 1st Vice Chairman Source: Apexnewsgh.com