The New Patriotic Party (NPP) goes to the polls today, Saturday, January 31, to elect its flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections.
More than 211,000 accredited delegates are expected to vote nationwide in what party officials describe as one of the largest and most consequential internal elections in the NPP’s history.
The primaries will be conducted across all 16 regions, as well as at the national headquarters and selected diaspora voting centres, under tight security and strict electoral guidelines.
Today’s exercise is not only about selecting a candidate; it is also a critical test of the NPP’s internal cohesion following months of intense campaigning, policy debates and regional tours by aspirants.
Five aspirants have successfully filed their nominations to vie for the single slot to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections.
- Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
- Dr. Bryan Acheampong
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
- Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
- Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
Party leaders have repeatedly urged delegates and supporters to uphold the NPP’s long‑standing values of discipline, unity and peaceful competition, warning against the use of private security, vigilantes or any acts that could undermine the credibility of the process.
The electorate is made up of 211,849 delegates, drawn from constituencies, regions, national officers, party elders and recognised external branches. The number represents a reduction after adjustments for deceased members and forfeitures.
The largest voting blocs are Greater Accra with over 40,000 delegates and Ashanti with more than 36,000, followed by Eastern, Central and Western regions. Political observers say turnout and voting patterns in these regions could prove decisive.
Voting is expected to begin early this morning and end in the afternoon, after which counting will take place at the various centres before results are transmitted to the party’s national collation centre.
The flagbearer who emerges today will immediately assume the task of reorganising the party, healing internal divisions and crafting a compelling national message ahead of the general election.
Historically, the NPP’s presidential primaries have played a significant role in shaping the party’s fortunes. Commanding victories in internal contests have often translated into stronger national campaigns, while close races have required extensive post‑primary reconciliation efforts.
Personnel from the Ghana Police Service have been deployed to all polling centres to maintain order, while the Electoral Commission (EC) handles the polls.
The party has reiterated its ban on “machomen” and vigilantes, cautioning that any breach could attract sanctions.
Observers from within the party, as well as selected civil society groups, are expected to monitor the process to ensure transparency and credibility.
On the eve of the polls, senior party figures appealed to delegates to vote according to conscience and party interest, and to supporters to remain calm regardless of the outcome.
As voting gets underway today, all eyes are on the NPP as it takes a crucial step in selecting the leader who will carry its banner into the next national political contest.
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