The New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ghana has set a deadline for prospective parliamentary candidates to declare their intention to contest the party's primaries for the 2028 general elections. From November 1 to 10, 2026, interested candidates, including current Members of Parliament, must formally express their interest. This process is a prerequisite for participating in the party's parliamentary primaries. The NPP's General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, announced this timeline at a press conference on October 29, 2026.
According to Mr. Frimpong, prospective candidates will be assessed against the party's constitutional requirements and Ghana's laws to determine their eligibility. This assessment aims to verify that candidates meet the necessary qualifications to stand as NPP parliamentary candidates. The party emphasizes that declaring an intention to contest does not permit aspirants to begin campaigning in their constituencies. Instead, it is an initial administrative step before the formal opening of nominations.
To declare their intent, prospective candidates must register through the NPP's online portal, PPC.nppghana.org, and pay a fee of GH¢5,000. This process is described as a new initiative in Ghana's political landscape, with the NPP aiming to lead in organizing internal electoral processes. The party believes this step will help streamline the selection of candidates for the 2028 general elections.
Following the declaration of intent, the NPP will undertake a zoning exercise from November 1 to December 4, 2026. This exercise is part of the preparations for the next phase of the process, with the northern zone expected to begin first. The zoning exercise will help the party organize its primaries in a structured manner.
In addition to the zoning exercise, the NPP will hold training and capacity-building workshops for its zones. The Northern Zone will receive training from December 1 to 4, the Middle Zone from December 8 to 11, and the Southern Zone from December 15 to 18. These workshops aim to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful campaign.
The NPP's parliamentary primaries will proceed with the formal nomination and vetting stages after the declaration of intent and zoning exercise. Both sitting MPs and prospective challengers must undergo eligibility checks before advancing to subsequent stages. The party's goal is to ensure a transparent and fair process for selecting its candidates for the 2028 general elections.
The NPP's efforts to organize its internal electoral processes reflect its commitment to democratic principles. By introducing a structured process for selecting parliamentary candidates, the party aims to enhance its internal democracy and ensure that its candidates are well-prepared for the general elections. The party's leadership believes that this approach will contribute to a successful electoral process in 2028.
Key points
- Prospective NPP parliamentary candidates must pay a GH¢5,000 fee to declare their intent.
- The NPP's declaration of intent process for parliamentary aspirants runs from November 1 to 10, 2026.
- The party will hold training and capacity-building workshops for its zones in December 2026.
