Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), formally withdrew from the race for the position of National Organiser. The announcement came just hours before the party conducted balloting for candidates contesting the key position ahead of the national executive elections scheduled for 3 October 2026.
In a carefully worded letter addressed to the Chairman of the NPP National Officers Elections Committee, Mustapha cited “circumstances beyond my control” as the reason for stepping down. He did not provide further details about those circumstances
In the letter dated 9 September 2026, Mustapha wrote:
“I write to formally communicate my decision to withdraw from the contest for the position of National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This decision has been a difficult one, particularly considering the encouragement, goodwill and overwhelming support I have received from Party members, delegates, colleagues and well-wishers across the country. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I am unable to continue with my candidature.
I wish to emphasise that this decision does not diminish my commitment to the New Patriotic Party or to the ideals and values of our great tradition. My dedication to the Party remains firm, and I will continue to serve and contribute towards its unity, rebuilding and electoral success, and also to make Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the next president of Ghana.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who believed in my vision and supported this journey. To my supporters in particular, I appeal to you to accept this decision in good faith and remain united and committed to the larger interest of the Party. Political positions may come and go, but our commitment to the NPP and the future of our Party must remain greater than any individual ambition.
I wish the Party and all candidates participating in the internal electoral process well. May our actions and choices ultimately strengthen the NPP and position us for victory in the future. I leave you with Psalm 23, my favourite verse in the Holy Bible: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…’”
Salam Mustapha currently serves as the National Youth Organiser of the NPP. He previously held the position of Deputy National Youth Organiser and has been an active figure in the party’s youth wing for several years. During the NPP’s time in government, he also worked in the Office of the Vice President.
In the months leading up to his withdrawal, Mustapha had been actively campaigning for the National Organiser position. He appeared on several media platforms, including Channel One TV’s Face to Face and Citiuation Room, where he outlined his vision for rebuilding the party’s organisational structures after the 2024 general election defeat.
The New Patriotic Party is currently in the process of electing a new set of national officers. The elections, scheduled for 3 October 2026, form part of the party’s broader effort to reorganise and strengthen its structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The position of National Organiser is one of the most important roles in the party’s hierarchy. The National Organiser is responsible for grassroots mobilisation, membership drives, and coordinating the party’s organisational activities across the country. Mustapha’s withdrawal reduces the number of candidates in the race. Among those still contesting is former Greater Accra Regional Minister Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, popularly known as Titus Glover.
Following the announcement of Mustapha’s withdrawal, the NPP Elections Committee proceeded with balloting for the remaining candidates. The party is expected to continue its internal election processes without disruption.
Salam Mustapha has made it clear that he remains committed to the NPP and to the candidacy of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. In his letter, he specifically stated that he would continue working toward the party’s unity, rebuilding, and eventual return to power. Leadership changes within major political parties often generate significant interest, especially during periods of internal rebuilding. Mustapha’s decision comes at a time when the NPP is still recovering from its 2024 electoral loss and is focused on restructuring its national and regional executives.
By stepping aside while reaffirming his loyalty to the party and its flagbearer, Mustapha has sought to frame his withdrawal as a decision made in the broader interest of the NPP rather than a personal setback. As the party moves closer to its October 2026 national delegates conference, attention will now shift fully to the remaining candidates and the eventual outcome of the National Organiser contest.
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