The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is ramping up preparations for its national executive elections in September 2026, with the contest for key leadership positions gaining momentum as several prominent party members declare their intentions to run.
The outcome of the elections is expected to play a crucial role in the party's reorganisation and influence its strategy ahead of the 2028 general election.
Amid the growing contest, some aspirants and individuals associated with the race for national executive positions are facing criminal investigations or ongoing court proceedings.
Although none has been convicted, and those involved have either denied the allegations or are contesting the charges in court, their legal challenges have emerged as a significant issue as delegates prepare to elect a new national leadership.
National Chairman hopeful - Wontumi
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, a National Chairman hopeful of the NPP, is the subject of several criminal investigations by state agencies over allegations linked to his business activities.
Among the allegations against Wontumi, the current NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, are illegal mining, money laundering, fraud, and causing financial loss to the state. These investigations have attracted significant public and political attention, although Wontumi has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In 2025, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other state agencies launched investigations into Wontumi's business dealings, including his alleged involvement in unauthorised mining activities and suspected financial crimes. He was invited for questioning, arrested, and later granted bail. Authorities have stated that the investigations are aimed at determining whether offences, including money laundering, fraud, and breaches of Ghana's mining laws, were committed. The investigations remain ongoing.
Chairman Wontumi has maintained that the allegations against him are politically motivated and has pledged to clear his name through the legal process. His lawyers have challenged aspects of the investigations and his arrest in court, while officials have insisted that the investigations are being conducted in accordance with the law. As of now, no court has convicted Wontumi of any criminal offence, and the allegations against him have not been proven.
National Vice Chairman hopeful - Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid
Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and an aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Vice Chairman position, is facing criminal charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over the alleged mismanagement of funds in the downstream petroleum sector.
According to the OSP, Dr Abdul-Hamid, together with two former NPA officials, allegedly orchestrated a scheme to unlawfully collect more than GH¢291 million and US$323,407.47 from oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters between 2022 and 2024. The prosecution contends that the funds were collected under various pretexts outside the legal framework governing the petroleum sector. Dr Abdul-Hamid has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case remains before the courts.
National Communications Director hopeful - Miracles Aboagye
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) and an aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Communications Director position, was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at Kotoka International Airport on July 12, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the IMCCoD Secretariat.
According to EOCO, the arrest is linked to investigations into the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion, and theft of about GH¢55 million in public funds during his tenure at the IMCCoD.
The agency said the investigation was initiated following a petition from the current Executive Secretary and a forensic audit covering the period between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025. Aboagye is being investigated alongside the committee's former accountant, Gerald Appiah, and other persons of interest.
EOCO has maintained that the arrest forms part of its investigations into the alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities and is intended to facilitate the inquiry.
As of now, Aboagye has not been convicted of any offence. Following his arrest, the NPP criticised EOCO's actions, describing them as politically motivated while calling for due process and respect for his constitutional rights.
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