Political Analyst, Dr. Samuel Afriyie says former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Ursula Owusu-Ekuful brings a type of visibility and strength that makes her a strong contender in the New Patriotic Party’s upcoming General Secretary race.
According to him, the former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation has a “male power” type of visibility.
Speaking on JoyNews on October 20, Dr. Afriyie said Ursula Owusu is well-known in the party for her boldness and activism.
“She’s known in the party, especially when it comes to activism. She’s one of those women that can fight,” he said.
He explained, “She can express her view, can be confrontational. When we talk about gender activism, when we talk about her posture.”
He added that her confrontational yet assertive posture could work to her advantage.
“The NPP wants someone who can manage the party and at the same time make the party visible in terms of what the party stands for,” he stated.
“Ursula comes along with a male power kind of visibility to help her handle that position.”
Dr. Afriyie noted that the General Secretary role has traditionally been male-dominated, but believes Ursula Owusu is capable of being in the position.
“It’s a male-dominant position and she coming in, the question is can she perform, can she handle the position, can the grassroots also trust her for that position,” he said.
“For some of us observing afar, I think she qualifies and she can bring a lot to the party.”
He also stated that the NPP needs new faces in its leadership to reposition the party for the future, arguing that the current General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, should not be re-elected.
“They have to bring in more or new faces for the rebrand of the party or to reposition the party,” he said.
“NPP is a party of high-level, educated people. You need to have clout within the party leadership so that you can control them. The current Secretary has lost it because he doesn’t have that clout.”
“They need a Secretary that is tough,” he added.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful announced her intention to run for NPP General Secretary on her birthday, October 20, 2025.
Other contenders in the NPP’s upcoming General Secretary race include incumbent Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, former Bantama MP and ex EPA boss Henry Kwabena Kokofu, former Ngleshie Amanfrom MP and Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh and former MP for Subin Eugene Boakye Antwi.
