Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Frimpong, has expressed strong opposition to a proposal suggesting that the party should elect its flagbearer before elections of other internal positions ahead of 2028 general elections.
In an open letter to the National Chairman and the General Secretary of the party, the Deputy Protocol Director said the approach contradicts the party’s democratic traditions and threatens its grassroots foundation.
Undermining grassroots participation
“The strength of the NPP lies in its vibrant and committed base, starting from the polling stations, through the electoral areas, constituencies, regions, and National,” Frimpong stated.
“Electing a flagbearer first reverses this structure and effectively sidelines the voice of the grassroots, weakening the democratic spirit that underpins the NPP’s democratic principles,” he added.
Risk of imposed leadership
Kwabena Frimpong warned that electing a flagbearer before party structures are fully formed or renewed could lead to favoritism, manipulation, and potential imposition of preferred candidates on the rank-and-file.
“This top-down method creates a power imbalance, where the chosen flagbearer may unduly influence the selection of party executives at all other levels,” he said.
Conflicts of interest and internal disunity
The NPP has historically avoided internal strife by allowing the party to rebuild its structures before choosing its flagbearer.
Kwabena Frimpong believes that flipping this order could deepen factionalism within the party, as aspirants may attempt to install loyalists across various levels.
Institutional precedent matters
Kwabena Frimpong emphasized the importance of maintaining the party’s traditional approach, which prioritizes party organization before presidential ambitions.
“Our electoral tradition has always prioritized party organization before presidential ambitions,” he said. “Changing the process arbitrarily could set a dangerous precedent where party rules are bent for political convenience.”
Call to action
Kwabena Frimpong urged the party to uphold its tradition of bottom-up leadership selection, citing the party’s four presidential electoral victories since 1992.
“Let us continue to build the party from the grassroots, which would be strong, united, and prepared for election 2028, before we choose our next flagbearer,” he said.
“No one begins building a house by installing the roof before laying the foundation. To construct a solid house, you must start from the ground up, not top-down,” Kwabena Frimpong stated.
This stance comes amid speculation about the party’s future leadership, with some supporters backing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2028 elections.
A recent poll showed 57% of NPP supporters prefer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer for 2028.
However, others, like Kennedy Agyapong and Brian Acheampong, are also considering contesting the flagbearer position for 2028.
