Momentum is building within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as calls for major reforms—particularly the expansion of the party’s electoral college—gain traction ahead of the national delegates conference scheduled for this weekend in Accra.
Speaking to our reporter in Techiman, former Bono East Regional Minister and one-time Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Kwasi Adu Gyan, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the party’s internal structures to build a resilient and electable political machinery.
Proposals for Party reform
Mr. Adu Gyan outlined a series of proposals aimed at promoting inclusivity and deepening the party’s internal democracy. These proposals, which he has tabled for consideration at the upcoming conference, are geared towards revitalizing the NPP and positioning it strongly to regain political power in 2028 and beyond.
Concerns over election timelines
He expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s plan to elect a flagbearer in January next year, prior to the election of new party executives. Describing the move as “very unfortunate,” Mr. Adu Gyan advocated instead for the early election of new executives—from the national level down to polling stations—by December of this year, a full year before the expiration of their current term.
“If the party constitution allows for an extension of up to a year, then there’s no reason it cannot allow for an early handover of the same duration,” he argued. “Now more than ever, the NPP needs strong, dynamic leadership to unite the party and steer it through these challenging times,” he added.
Expanded electoral college
As a founding member of the NPP, Mr. Adu Gyan is calling for a broader and more inclusive electoral college. He believes that all individuals who have served in various official capacities within the party since its inception in 1992—and who continue to demonstrate loyalty to the party—should be included in the voting process.
He proposes the inclusion of:
I. Persons who have served in various positions/offices/committees and organs of the party since 1992 and owes allegiance to the party.
II. Persons who have served in various appointed positions under an NPP government and owe allegiance to the party
III. All Parliamentary and Presidential Candidates of the party since 1992 who still allegiance to the party
IV. All Assembly members who are members of the NPP past and present
V. Diaspora – External Branches, Executives of all External Branches of the party since 1992
VI. TESCON/TESCONA past and present since the formation of the Tertiary Organ.
VII. Patrons and council of elders
VIII. Paid up members who do not belong to any of the categories defined AND have had a minimum of one year HISTORY of dues payment. (The historical payments clause would measure allegiance and prevent opposing party infiltration.)
He emphasized that the historical dues payment requirement would serve as a loyalty benchmark and safeguard the party against infiltration by opposing interests.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Adu Gyan’s proposals are expected to spark thoughtful debate at the upcoming conference, as the party grapples with internal restructuring and sets its sights on future electoral victories.
