Jay Ghartey is an NPP stalwart and a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) heads into its National Delegates Conference on July 19, 2025, concerns are mounting over a significant constitutional breach with concerns that the party leadership appears to be violating Article 19 of the NPP Constitution, which outlines strict procedures for proposing and circulating amendments ahead of the conference.
This development, according to experienced politician, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, raises fears of increasing exclusivity and sidelining grassroots participation.
Ghartey, l when contacted over the weekend, was flabbergasted about the gross breach of the constitution, saying Article 19 of the NPP’s constitution was being “grossly breached due to the fact that barely a week to the National Delegates Conference, the proposed amendment has not been submitted to the regional and constituency offices by the General Secretary.”
He further asked, “NPP why?”
Breach of Constitutional Procedure
Article 19 of the NPP Constitution states:
“Every amendment to this Constitution shall be made at the National Delegates Conference provided, however, that no amendment shall be made unless:
i) Notice of such amendment has been submitted in writing to the General Secretary not later than two (2) months before the National Delegates Conference.
ii) The General Secretary has circulated the proposed amendment to every Regional and Constituency Office at least one (1) month before the National Delegates Conference.”
However, Joe Ghartey stated with less than a week to the start of the conference, the proposed amendment — contained in the Frank Davis Report — has not been formally circulated by the General Secretary to regional and constituency offices, as required.
This failure, he added, suggests that delegates may be asked to “vote on constitutional amendments they have neither seen nor had time to review, raising serious concerns about transparency and democratic governance within the party.”
Missed Opportunity for Inclusivity
The 2025 conference is expected to consider amendments to the party’s constitution, including proposed changes to the structure of the party’s electoral college. This presents a unique opportunity for the NPP to address one of its most pressing internal challenges: the growing perception of exclusivity and marginalization of local-level party executives.
Many within the party believe that had the proposed amendments been submitted and circulated in accordance with Article 19, it would have demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and collective decision-making. Instead, the current approach is viewed as deepening disconnection between the party’s leadership and its grassroots.
Planning Without Compliance
In June, the NPP constituted a nine-member Conference Planning Committee to oversee preparations for the conference at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Members of the Committee include:
Joseph Owusu – Chairman
Henry Nana Boakye, Esq – Vice Chairman
Alhaji Haruna Mohammed – Secretary
Dr Charles Dwamena – Member
Divine Otoo Agorhom – Member
Abena Osei Asare – Member
Jerry Ahmed Shaib – Member
Hajia Safia Mohammed – Member
Salam Mustapha – Member
Despite the committee’s mandate to coordinate logistics and readiness for the conference, the constitutional requirement to circulate proposed amendments was not met.
Per the NPP Constitution, any amendment must be approved by at least two-thirds of delegates at the conference. Yet, without prior access to the document, delegates will be left to debate and vote on unfamiliar content—an approach likened by some critics to a “jamboree,” rather than a serious constitutional reform process.
A Call for Accountability
As the conference draws near, party members—especially delegates—are being urged to demand full transparency and adherence to the party’s constitution. The failure to circulate proposed amendments in advance not only undermines the credibility of the process but may also set a troubling precedent for future governance within the NPP.
The leadership now stands at a crossroads: either reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and inclusivity or risk deepening internal fractures within the party.
