The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has ordered all prospective parliamentary aspirants, their agents, and supporters to immediately suspend campaign activities. This directive was issued ahead of the party's parliamentary primaries, as reported by TV3 Ghana on October 11, 2026. The party's General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, signed the statement, emphasizing that the directive aims to maintain party unity and discipline.
According to the NPP, numerous complaints were received regarding some members aspiring to contest parliamentary seats who had begun campaigning in various constituencies. The party described these activities as contrary to its regulations and Code of Conduct. The NPP warned that such actions create an uneven playing field and undermine the party's unity and discipline, which are crucial to its success.
The directive prohibits aspirants and their supporters from engaging in various campaign activities. These include mounting posters, billboards, and banners, as well as organizing rallies, meetings with polling station executives, or constituency tours to solicit support. Additionally, they are barred from distributing items or other inducements to delegates and party members, and from running paid media or social media advertisements promoting their candidacies.
The NPP also emphasized that party officers at various levels, including TESCON, are forbidden from posting any parliamentary aspirant on social media platforms or enabling premature parliamentary aspirants' activities. The party warned that anyone who fails to comply with the directive will face disciplinary action, which could affect their eligibility to contest in the party's parliamentary primaries.
The NPP has tasked its constituency and regional executives with ensuring strict compliance within their respective jurisdictions. The party urged all members to cooperate with the directive, assuring them that it will announce the timetable and guidelines for its parliamentary processes in due course. This move aims to ensure a fair and transparent process for all aspirants.
Raphael Ghartey, a writer and reporter with the MG News team at Media General, reported that the directive was issued on October 11, 2026. The NPP's decision to halt campaign activities demonstrates its commitment to upholding party regulations and maintaining unity among its members. The party's parliamentary primaries are expected to take place in the near future.
The NPP's directive has significant implications for prospective parliamentary aspirants and the party's overall electoral strategy. By enforcing this directive, the NPP aims to prevent unfair advantages and promote a level playing field for all aspirants. The party's leadership will continue to monitor compliance and take disciplinary action against any individuals who fail to adhere to the directive.
Key points
- The NPP has directed prospective parliamentary aspirants to cease campaign activities ahead of its parliamentary primaries.
- The directive prohibits aspirants from engaging in various campaign activities, including mounting posters and running paid advertisements.
- Non-compliance with the directive may result in disciplinary action, affecting aspirants' eligibility to contest in the party's parliamentary primaries.
