The People’s National Convention (PNC) has advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against amending its constitution to make its presidential candidate the automatic leader of the party when in opposition. This caution was delivered at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3. The PNC emphasized that such an arrangement could limit opportunities for new leadership to emerge and weaken the NPP’s internal democracy.
The PNC’s message was conveyed as a friendly caution, not an attempt to interfere in NPP's internal affairs. According to the PNC, reports suggested that the NPP conference might consider amending the party’s constitution so that the flagbearer becomes the leader of the party even when in opposition. The PNC urged NPP delegates to carefully consider this proposal, highlighting the fundamentally different roles of a presidential candidate and a party leader.
A flagbearer is primarily responsible for carrying the party’s banner in elections, whereas a party leader must build structures, reconcile factions, and hold the party accountable between elections. The PNC warned that concentrating both responsibilities in one person could have implications for the party’s internal structures. This could risk weakening internal democracy and the space for new leadership to emerge.
The proposed amendment is among the constitutional changes being considered by NPP delegates at the conference. The party’s Constitutional Amendment Committee confirmed that delegates will have the final say on the proposals. Beyond the constitutional issue, the PNC also called for greater responsibility in Ghana’s political discourse, urging political parties to discourage insults and provocative commentary that could divide the country.
The PNC called on the NPP, National Democratic Congress (NDC), and other political parties to address what it described as growing moral decadence in political discourse. The party urged the NPP to elect competent and effective leaders capable of managing the party’s affairs and contributing to the consolidation of Ghana’s democracy.
The PNC used its solidarity message to position itself as an alternative to the NPP and NDC, expressing confidence that Ghanaians would support the PNC in the 2028 general election. The party believes Ghanaians are seeking a different political direction. A total of 7,163 delegates are expected to participate in the conference and elections.
The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is being held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Delegates are first considering proposed constitutional amendments before proceeding to elect national officers. The conference aims to unite the party and strategize for future elections.
Key points
- PNC cautions NPP against making flagbearer automatic party leader
- Proposed amendment could weaken NPP's internal democracy
- PNC positions itself as alternative to NPP and NDC ahead of 2028 elections
