Prof Dr Ochtere Addai Mensah has fired shots at critics mocking the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for electing Kwadwo Boadu, popularly known as Bamba, as First Vice Chairman.
The professor argued that mockery in some quarters surrounding Kojo Bamba’s election as First Vice Chairman exposes a rather uncomfortable prejudice, adding that political position should not be assessed based on academic qualifications.
According to Prof Addai Mensah, a First Vice Chairman is not being appointed to lecture constitutional law but for political organisation, mobilisation, strategy, coordination and, above all, delivery.
He argued that the NPP has every right to evolve from a party whose leadership credentials are judged partly by social status and educational pedigree into one that places greater emphasis on political effectiveness.
In a post on X, Prof Dr Ochtere Addai Mensah detailed, “THE NPP’S BAMBA QUESTION: COMPETENCE IS NOT A UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE.
The mockery in some quarters surrounding Kwadwo Boadu’s ( Bamba) election as First Vice Chairman exposes a rather uncomfortable prejudice: the assumption that political leadership must be validated by academic pedigree.
That is a dangerous standard for a political party is not a university faculty, and a First Vice Chairman is not being appointed to lecture constitutional law. The job is political organisation, mobilisation, strategy, coordination and, above all, delivery. If delegates considered Bamba the person best equipped to perform that role, his educational background does not invalidate their judgment.
In fact, the argument that someone without a university degree is somehow unqualified for senior political leadership says more about the arrogance of the critic than about the capacity of the politician.
Politics has never been a contest in which certificates alone produce results. Ghana’s political history is full of people whose influence came from organising people, understanding communities, building relationships, taking risks and delivering under pressure. Those are skills that cannot always be acquired in a lecture hall.
And there is another point the critics conveniently miss: Bamba did not appoint himself. Delegates elected him. If people who actually participated in the party’s internal democratic process assessed the candidates and placed Bamba ahead of Nana Bee and Nana Akomea, the appropriate question is not, “Where is his university degree?” The appropriate question is, “What did the delegates see in him?”
Perhaps they saw something increasingly important in modern political competition: practical political competence.
The NPP has every right to evolve from a party whose leadership credentials are judged partly by social status and educational pedigree into one that places greater emphasis on political effectiveness (especially if the happenings on the political front are a foretaste of how the 2028 elections will be fought). If that is what this election represents, then it should be welcomed rather than ridiculed.
The real examination begins now. Bamba must prove that the confidence placed in him was justified. He must organise, mobilise, build unity, withstand political pressure and contribute meaningfully to the party’s preparations for 2028. If he fails, critics will have their evidence. If he succeeds, the “no university degree” argument will be exposed for what it always was: an argument from prejudice rather than performance.
Ultimately, the ballot of delegates is a more relevant qualification for a party office than the sneer of spectators.
THE NPP HAS ELECTED A POLITICIAN, NOT A PROFESSOR.
Now let the man work.
The Horns of the Altar!!!”
Meanwhile, His comment follows Kojo Bamba, who was elected NPP 1st Vice Chairman after defeating twelve party heavyweights.
Kojo Bamba emerged victorious after beating off competition from 12 other candidates, including Dr Mustapha Abdul Hameed, Nana Akomea, Samuel Pyne, George Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah, Richard Ahiagba, Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Richard Oti Aboagye, Abena Pokua Boaitey Amoah, Yaa Amponsah Frimpong, Henry Nana Boakye, Horma Miez and Bright Esselfie Kumi.
Kojo Bamba was declared the winner of the 1st Vice Chairman position after securing 3,116 votes, with his immediate past National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, who obtained 3,061 votes, while Nana Akomea placed third with 2,987 votes.
Meanwhile, Kojo Bamba rose to prominence as a leader of the Delta Force, which was involved in a 2017 confrontation over the appointment of George Adjei as Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator.
Kojo Bamba later moved into the NPP’s formal structures and was appointed Deputy National Director of Operations of the party’s youth wing in 2018.
Also, Kojo Bamba has said he does not see himself as better than anyone else, adding that his ambition is not driven by personal success but by a desire to represent the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the youth.
He disclosed that he sees himself as a voice for the youth and is committed to creating opportunities that will give the next generation a fair chance to succeed.
In a social media post on October 4, 2026, Kojo Bamba wrote, “I do not see myself as better than anyone else. I see myself as a voice for the youth, a representative of their hopes, dreams and aspirations”.
“My ambition goes beyond personal success; it is about creating opportunities and ensuring that the next generation has a fair chance to rise.”
He further reflected on the political stakes, noting that the future of many young people could be affected if the NPP fails to return to power.
“So many destinies risk remaining in the shadows if we fail to restore power in 2028. Our youth deserve opportunities, our people deserve hope, and our future deserves a renewed commitment to progress,” he claimed.
See the post below:
@ghnow_ Jackie Appiah arrived at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra for the Pete Edochie Legacy Project launch last night. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – Mr.Drew
@ghnow_ Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie arrived at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra for the launch of his Legacy Project last night. #GHnow #fyp ♬ Steeze – Mr Drew
