The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has amended its constitution, making its presidential candidate the leader of the party while in opposition and the President leading when the party is in government. This change has sparked public debate on who will provide checks on the leader. According to Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, a former Speaker of Parliament and a political scientist, the National Council, Council of Elders, and National Executive Committee will serve as checks on the party's leader.
Professor Oquaye, a former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya on the ticket of the NPP, made these remarks in a radio interview on Joy FM. He noted that the party had previously taken action against a chairman when some people thought such action was impossible. The former Speaker emphasized that "it is possible with us." This statement suggests that the NPP has mechanisms in place to ensure accountability within the party.
The approved amendment provides that when the party has an elected presidential candidate, the candidate becomes the leader of the party. Conversely, when the party is in government, the President remains the leader until a presidential candidate is elected. This change reverses a clause introduced at the party's January 31, 2026 conference, which made the National Chairman the party leader at all times.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the NPP's flagbearer for the 2028 general election. Delegates approved all 14 proposed amendments, despite an earlier call by the Acting National Chairman, Joseph Danquah Smith, for the proposals to be deferred. The Chairman of the Constitution Amendment Committee, Frank Davies, said the changes were necessary due to "acts of omission and commission" associated with the party's previous amendment in 2025.
Two of the approved amendments deal with oversight within the party. One increases the Council of Elders' representation on the National Disciplinary Committee from one member to two. Another provides for the presidential candidate to appoint the chairperson and members of the National Campaign Advisory Committee, subject to approval by the National Council.
Before the conference, the Council of Elders had proposed that it advise the National Council on matters affecting the flagbearer. It also proposed that a newly elected flagbearer appear before the council for advice on campaign strategy. However, those proposals were not among the 14 approved motions published by the party. Professor Oquaye believes that the amendment reflects the reality within the party.
According to Professor Oquaye, when the NPP is in government, the President is the party's leader because he leads the country, while the flagbearer carries the party's banner into an election. He noted that people who want to support the party or make contributions often approach the flagbearer, even when the party has a chairman.
Key points
- The NPP's amended constitution introduces checks on the party leader role.
- The National Council, Council of Elders, and National Executive Committee will serve as checks on the party's leader.
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the NPP's flagbearer for the 2028 general election.
