Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has set 31 January 2025, as the tentative date for its presidential primaries, a significant departure from tradition that is drawing attention across the country’s political landscape.
The date, however, remains subject to ratification by the party’s national delegates’ conference scheduled for 19 July.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (18 June), Acting National Chairman Joseph Danquah Smith explained that the early primary is one of several key reform proposals aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The proposals stem from the findings of a post-election review committee chaired by Prof. Mike Oquaye.
“The whole idea is to give our presidential candidate more time to campaign, mobilise, and fundraise,” Chairman Butey said. “We are not trying to favour anyone—this is about strategy and unity.”
Traditionally, the NPP holds internal elections starting from the polling station level through to national leadership before selecting a presidential candidate. However, the proposed reforms suggest a reversal of that order, sparking debate among party members.
Chairman Butey clarified that the National Executive Council (NEC) has accepted the reforms but emphasised that the highest decision-making body—the National Delegates Conference—must approve them before they take effect. “We haven’t broken any rules. The final say rests with Congress,” he noted.
Among other changes under consideration are:
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Expanding polling station executives from five to seven members to include communication and research officers;
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Broadening the party’s Electoral College to include former executives, ministers, ambassadors, and MPs;
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Resolving internal disputes, including the unresolved parliamentary candidate declaration in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Responding to questions about transparency and concerns that the changes may benefit a particular candidate, the acting chairman was firm: “Nobody is going to hijack this party. Everything will be free and fair.”
He also promised that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would receive a copy of the much-discussed Mike Oquaye report, dismissing claims that he had been sidelined. “The party belongs to all of us. We’ll make sure the legacy of Nana Addo is part of our campaign,” he said.
The party has also announced an official freeze on premature campaigning, warning that violators will face sanctions. “We are issuing directives by Friday—anyone who breaches them will be sanctioned, no matter who they are,” Chairman Butey cautioned.
The outcome of the July 19 conference will determine whether the reforms—and the proposed 31 January date—stand.
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