The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has introduced a new parliamentary candidate selection process, sparking controversy among party members. Deputy Director of Communications, Ebo Buckman, has accused the party of designing the process to favour supporters of former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He expressed concerns that the new arrangements could undermine the ability of ordinary members to determine who represents them in Parliament. The NPP has announced new guidelines requiring prospective parliamentary aspirants to submit online expressions of interest between November 1 and 10, 2026.
The NPP's new guidelines include an application fee of GH¢5,000, and all applicants will undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility. The party has also announced capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones. According to the party, the process aims to promote fairness, transparency, discipline and equal opportunities for all aspirants. However, Ebo Buckman believes the screening arrangements could give party executives undue influence over the selection of parliamentary candidates.
Ebo Buckman made these comments on Accra-based TV3's New Day programme on Friday, October 30, 2026. He specifically cautioned former supporters of Alan Kyerematen and Kennedy Agyapong against investing in the process, alleging that they could be disqualified during vetting because of their political affiliations. The NPP has maintained its earlier directive suspending campaign activities until official clearance is granted. This move has raised concerns among party members about the potential impact on the party's internal democracy.
The NPP's new parliamentary aspirant selection process has sparked debate among party members and supporters. While the party claims the process is designed to promote fairness and transparency, some members believe it could be used to favour certain individuals. Ebo Buckman's comments have highlighted the potential risks of the new process and the need for the party to ensure that it remains inclusive and democratic.
The NPP's decision to introduce a new selection process comes ahead of the party's parliamentary primaries. The party has a large number of incumbent MPs seeking re-election, and the new process is expected to determine who will be cleared to contest. The outcome of the process is likely to have a significant impact on the party's performance in the next general elections.
The NPP is one of the major political parties in Ghana, and its internal processes often attract significant attention. The party has a strong presence in Parliament and has been in power since 2017. The controversy surrounding the new parliamentary aspirant selection process has raised questions about the party's commitment to internal democracy and the potential impact on its relationships with its members and supporters.
The NPP's new parliamentary aspirant selection process is set to conclude in December 2026, with the party expected to announce its list of cleared candidates. The process will be closely watched by party members, supporters and observers, who will be keen to see how the party navigates the complexities of its internal democracy. The outcome is likely to have significant implications for the party's future and its prospects in the next general elections.
Key points
- NPP's new parliamentary aspirant selection process accused of favouring Bawumia loyalists
- Process includes application fee of GH¢5,000 and capacity-building workshops
- Controversy sparks debate about party's commitment to internal democracy
