In a defining moment that signals the beginning of another pivotal chapter in Ghana’s democratic journey, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially opened nominations for its flagbearer race, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling contest in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections.
At a press conference held at the party’s national headquarters in Accra this afternoon, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Frimpong Kodua, Esq., announced the formal opening of nominations. This historic move is in accordance with Article 13(1)(2) of the NPP constitution, underscoring the party’s commitment to internal democracy and procedural integrity.
The nomination window, though brief, spans only to the day of 29th July, 2025, within which prospective aspirants are expected to submit their intent. The timelines may be sharp, but the momentum within the party ranks is unmistakably electric.
The Cost of Aspiration
In keeping with tradition and the gravitas of the office being vied for, the party outlined the financial commitments required of aspirants:
Nomination Form Fee: GH¢100,000.00 (Non-refundable, payable by Bankers Draft)
Filing Fee: GH¢500,000.00 (Also payable by Bankers Draft)
Development Fee: A separate payment to be determined and approved by the National Council.
These fees, while significant, are not without precedent. They reflect both the seriousness of the process and the administrative cost of organising such a monumental political undertaking.
Electoral College:
The Machinery of Decision.
The selection of the party’s next presidential candidate will be conducted by a well-structured and expansive Electoral College, as outlined in Article 13(1)(1) of the party’s constitution and further affirmed at the recent National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on 19th July, 2025.
This Electoral College is a mosaic of the party’s most experienced, dedicated, and widespread actors, comprising:
- All members of the National Council
- All voting members of the National Executive Committee
- All voting members of the Regional Executive Committee
- All former Regional Executives
- All voting members of the Constituency Executive Committee
- Former Constituency Executive Committee Members
- Electoral Area Coordinators
- Five Polling Station Executive Officers in each Polling Station
- All members of the National Council of Elders
- Thirty (30) members of the National Council of Patrons
- All Party Members of Parliament
- All Party card-bearing former Members of Parliament
- All Party card-bearing former Parliamentary Candidates
- Past National Officers
- Three (3) representatives of each of the special organ of the party
- All external branch executive committee members
- All former external branch executive committee members
- Founding members who are signitaries to the registration documents of the Party at the electoral Commission
- The Tescon President from each recognized institution
- National Tescon Coordinator
- All Regional Tescon Coordinators
- One (1) Tescon Pardon from each recognized institution
- All party card-bearing Ministers and Deputy Ministers
- All former party card-bearing Ministers andDeputy Ministers
- All MMDCEs
- All former card-bearing MMDCEs
- Ten (10) members from each Regional Council of Elders
- Ten (10) Patrons from each Region
- Five (5) members if each Constituency Council of Elders
- Five (5) Patrons from each Constituency
This is a robust representation of the party’s grassroots and leadership structures, ensuring that the eventual choice of flagbearer reflects a broad and democratic consensus.
Primaries Set for January 2026
The NPP has set Saturday, 31st January, 2026 as the date for the presidential primaries. Political analysts predict a fiercely competitive race, with potential heavyweights and emerging leaders expected to file nominations. With current power dynamics of the opposition party and the 2028 national elections as a focal point, this primary will not merely be about electing a flagbearer—it will shape the very soul and strategy of the party in the coming years.
Potential Aspirants
Among the potential aspirants expected to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries are some of the most prominent and diverse figures within the party’s ranks, each bringing unique experiences and appeal.
H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and 2024 Flagbearer of NPP, widely regarded for his economic acumen and digitalization drive. Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, the outspoken former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, is known for his populist charisma and anti-corruption drive. Hon. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Agriculture and a former Minister of State in charge of National Security, offers a blend of technocratic expertise and grassroots strategy. Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, a former General Secretary of the party, represents institutional memory and reformist ideals within the NPP tradition. Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the former Education Minister, is celebrated for his intellectual rigor and educational policy innovations, while Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP for Okaikwei Central, adds to the field a refined legal mind and parliamentary experience. Together, amonst others, these aspirants promise a highly competitive and ideologically rich race, reflecting the evolving face and future direction of the NPP.
A Defining Political Moment
As Ghana’s political climate gradually shifts into gear for another election cycle, the NPP’s internal processes will serve as both a litmus test and a benchmark for democratic engagement. The party’s ability to navigate this crucial selection phase with fairness, transparency, and unity will not only influence its own electoral prospects but also deepen the nation’s democratic credentials.
In the coming weeks, political observers, party faithful, and the Ghanaian public will keenly watch the unfolding drama—names will emerge, alliances will form, and visions for the party’s future will be unveiled.
The race has officially begun, and with it, the soul of a political generation finds itself at a crossroads.
