NPP must not be distracted by attacks on Kojo Bamba – Brako-Powers

Private legal practitioner Austin Brako-Powers has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to allow criticisms over the election of Kojo Bamba as its First National Vice Chairman to distract the party.

Kojo Bamba, a former leader of the pro-NPP Delta Force group, was elected First National Vice Chairman at the party’s National Delegates Conference held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on October 3.

He secured 3,116 votes to defeat Henry Nana Boakye, who polled 3,061 votes, and Nana Akomea, who obtained 2,987 votes.

Following his election, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the NPP over the election, with claims that the party has elected a former convict.

However, speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day programme on Tuesday, October 6, Brako-Powers said the NPP should not allow the controversy to distract it from its political objectives.

“I will encourage the New Patriotic Party not to be distracted with this. My first question has to be: Was Bamba convicted? Is he an ex-convict? No, he’s not," the lawyer said.

He argued that even if Bamba had a criminal record, there is no law preventing an ex-convict from contesting an internal position in a political party.

Brako-Powers also acknowledged Bamba’s association with the Delta Force vigilante group but said his past should not automatically prevent him from serving the party, particularly after delegates had freely chosen him.

He said Bamba’s election should instead be interpreted as a decision by the NPP’s grassroots to have a representative who understands their concerns and can mobilise them effectively.

According to him, the NPP’s poor performance in the 2024 general election was partly linked to its loss of connection with its grassroots supporters.

“If the delegates have found favour and they believe that he represents their voice, I think this is one that we must respect," he stressed.

Brako-Powers said the election of Bamba could therefore form part of the NPP’s efforts to rebuild its grassroots base ahead of the 2028 general election.