The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing for its National Officers' Elections at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on October 3. A total of 7,121 delegates are expected to vote for the party's national executive officers. The Electoral Commission (EC) will supervise the elections and has confirmed that all electoral materials have been deployed and ballot papers are ready in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Mr Samuel Kwaah, the Commission is ready to supervise the elections. He stated that all preparations have been made and the EC is set to proceed with the voting process. The elections will feature 47 aspirants contesting various positions, including National Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, General Secretary, and National Treasurer.
The chairmanship race is a highly contested one, with former National Chairmen Paul Afoko and John Boadu, former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, and former Greater Accra Regional Chairman Sammy Crabbe all vying for the position. The General Secretary contest also features a number of prominent candidates, including incumbent Justin Frimpong Kodua and former Subin MP Eugene Boakye Antwi.
In addition to the chairmanship and General Secretary positions, there are also contests for the National Treasurer, National Women's Organiser, National Youth Organiser, and National Nasara Organiser positions. The National Communications Director position is unopposed, with Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye being the sole candidate. A total of 13 aspirants are contesting the Vice-Chairperson positions, while seven candidates are vying for the National Organiser position.
Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah, Chairman of the National Officers' Elections Committee, has confirmed that preparations for the conference, including accommodation, transportation, feeding, and security, are in place. He stated that the EC had received the ballot papers, which were subsequently deposited with the police for safekeeping. The programme for the day will be held in two parts, with the party's conference taking place first, followed by the voting process.
Mr Opare-Ansah has urged delegates to exercise their franchise freely and avoid intimidation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining unity as members of one party and creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Mr Kwaah has also cautioned delegates against taking photographs of their marked ballots or directing others on how to vote, describing such conduct as an electoral offence.
The elections constitute the final leg of the NPP's nationwide reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general election. The party has completed polling station, electoral area, constituency, and regional-level elections. The outcome of the national officers' elections will determine the party's leadership and prepare it for the upcoming general election.
Key points
- 7,121 delegates will vote for the NPP's national executive officers.
- 47 aspirants are contesting various positions in the NPP national officers' elections.
- The elections will be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on October 3.
