The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has announced new guidelines for individuals interested in contesting as parliamentary aspirants. According to the party's General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, prospective candidates will be required to pay an application fee of GHC5000.00 and undergo vetting and screening to establish their eligibility under the party's requirements. This move is seen as a unique departure from the norm in the party's selection process.
The NPP will open its online expression-of-interest process for prospective parliamentary candidates on November 1, 2026, with applications closing on November 10. Interested aspirants will be required to complete the prescribed application form through the party's official portal, ppc.nppghana.org. This process aims to promote fairness, transparency, discipline, and equal opportunities for all aspirants.
As part of preparations for the parliamentary candidate selection process, the NPP will organise capacity-building workshops in December 2026 for prospective candidates in three designated zones: Northern, Middle, and Southern. These workshops are expected to equip aspirants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively represent the party in parliament.
The NPP's General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, stressed that incumbent Members of Parliament would not be exempt from the process, insisting that all prospective candidates must comply with the same guidelines. He also cautioned aspirants against commencing campaign activities, emphasising that the opening of the expression-of-interest process does not amount to permission to campaign.
According to Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party's earlier directive suspending all campaign activities remains in force until official clearance is granted. Prospective candidates are urged to comply strictly with the directives to avoid any sanctions. The party aims to ensure a smooth and transparent selection process.
The introduction of the new guidelines and the application fee has sparked mixed reactions among party members and supporters. While some have welcomed the move as a way to ensure fairness and transparency, others have expressed concerns about the potential barriers it may create for prospective candidates. The NPP's decision is seen as a significant step in the party's preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The NPP's new guidelines for parliamentary aspirants reflect the party's commitment to promoting good governance and ensuring that its candidates are equipped to effectively represent the party in parliament. The party's leadership is expected to provide further guidance and support to prospective candidates throughout the selection process.
Key points
- The NPP has introduced a GHC5000.00 application fee for prospective parliamentary candidates.
- The party will organise capacity-building workshops for aspirants in December 2026.
- Incumbent Members of Parliament are not exempt from the new guidelines.
