An overwhelming majority of New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the Gomoa East Constituency have settled on Francis Mensah as their next party chairman, citing his dedication and immense support for grassroots activities since he joined the UP tradition.
More than 1,250 out of 1,505 delegates, excluding constituency executives, members of the Council of Elders/Patrons, and electoral area executives, have pledged their support to Mr. Mensah, a businessman, over his rival, Nana Fredua Agyemang Prempeh, whom many consider not to be a grassroots person.
As part of its reorganization strategy, the NPP will go to the polls on Saturday, July 11, 2026, to elect constituency executives who will steer the affairs of the party at the constituency level for the next four years.
Popularly described as the delegates’ “darling boy,” Mr Mensah entered the contest with extensive experience, having served as a polling station organizer, polling station chairman, and currently as the constituency treasurer.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the grassroots and constituency levels.
Although his rival is considered a heavyweight in the constituency because of his involvement in numerous party activities, he is perceived by many delegates as lacking strong grassroots connections.
Mensah has emerged as the preferred candidate among the two contenders because of his pro-poor policies, which many delegates can easily relate to.
One of his key proposals is the establishment of a Constituency Welfare Scheme aimed at deepening unity, solidarity, and mutual support among party members, an area that many believe has been neglected over the years.
Under the proposed scheme, a contribution of GHS5.00 would be collected from each polling station executive member in the constituency to support a member during a marriage ceremony. Similarly, a contribution of GHS10.00 would be collected from each polling station executive to support a member in the event of the death of a father, mother, spouse, or up to two children. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of the death of a polling station executive, or in cases involving surgery or hospitalisation exceeding one month, a special contribution would be raised to support the affected member.
According to Mensah, these contribution arrangements could generate approximately GHS7,525.00 and GHS15,050.00, respectively, while a percentage of the funds collected would be paid directly into the Welfare Fund, which would be managed by an administrator.
Commenting on the proposed welfare scheme during one of his engagements with delegates, Mensah stated that “the welfare scheme would be established to strengthen the bonds of fellowship within the Gomoa East Constituency and to ensure that no polling station executive or member stands alone in times of need.”
He further noted that members have been left to face challenges alone on numerous occasions. According to him, under his leadership as constituency chairman, and as part of the party’s reorganisation efforts, it is time to make members feel that they truly belong. He believes that “this will energise them to go all out and work for the party, knowing very well that when hardship befalls them, the party will stand by them.”
Beyond welfare, Mr. Mensah has pledged to spearhead the construction of a constituency office by collaborating with stakeholders, including Nana Kow Enyinda, who has reportedly donated a parcel of land for the project. Speaking during one of his campaign tours, where he showcased architectural drawings of the proposed office to delegates, Mensah emphasised that, “Getting a befitting party office is not a wish; it is a necessity for victory in 2028. I will collaborate with all well-meaning party faithful to build a befitting party office for our dear constituency.”
Mensah has also promised to empower ten people from each electoral area within the constituency. According to him, this initiative would complement the ten appointments per constituency promised by the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, should he be elected while Mensah leads the constituency as chairman.
In addition, he has assured delegates that opportunities relating to jobs, contracts, and development projects would be distributed fairly.
He has also pledged to strengthen and equip the party’s communication department to enhance its effectiveness.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
