Mustapha Hamid to vie for NPP National Vice Chair

Former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) chief, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has announced plans to contest for National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.

In a statement to party supporters, whom he addressed as “Fellow Kukrudites,” Dr Abdul-Hamid said his decision was influenced by sustained appeals from grassroots members urging him to help reposition the party.

He explained that calls from across the rank and file encouraged him to offer his experience and strategic insight toward rebuilding efforts.

After reflecting on the appeals, he said he had decided to step forward when nominations are officially opened.

Dr Abdul-Hamid stressed that his bid is motivated by service rather than personal ambition, noting that he feels a responsibility to repay the party for the opportunities it has given him over the years.

He traced his political roots to 1992, when he helped establish the party’s branch at the University of Cape Coast under the guidance of the late J.K.B. Spio. He also recalled witnessing the transformation of the Danquah-Busia Club into the NPP in Cape Coast.

Highlighting his political journey, he referenced previous attempts at securing national executive roles, including bids for National Organiser in 2001 and General Secretary in 2005, both of which were unsuccessful. Despite those setbacks, he maintained that the experiences have shaped his resilience and readiness for leadership.

His résumé within the party includes serving as its first elected National Youth Organiser, acting as spokesperson for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for a decade, and playing a key role as Deputy National Campaign Manager during the 2020 general elections.

Dr Abdul-Hamid also expressed confidence in his intellectual and strategic capabilities, positioning himself as someone who can support the party’s leadership with strong ideas and direction.

He called for unity and internal reorganisation, insisting that the party’s path back to national leadership must begin with rebuilding from within.

His announcement comes amid ongoing legal challenges. Dr Abdul-Hamid is currently standing trial at the High Court in Accra, where he, alongside nine others and three companies, faces 54 charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The charges include alleged extortion and money laundering.

With this development, he becomes the second NPP executive hopeful entangled in legal proceedings to declare an interest in a top party position, following Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi.