The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is today, Saturday, January 31, carrying out its presidential primaries to choose a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Balloting is in progress across the country, with more than 211,000 accredited delegates expected to vote in an exercise party officials say ranks among the most extensive and decisive internal contests in the NPP’s history.
Voting is taking place in all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters and at approved diaspora voting centres, with the process being conducted under strict electoral rules and enhanced security arrangements.
The primaries follow several months of rigorous campaigning, policy dialogues and regional tours by the contenders, and are broadly viewed as a major test of the party’s unity and preparedness for the next election cycle.
Five candidates are vying for the position: former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; and businessman Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
Party leaders have appealed to delegates and supporters to demonstrate discipline, unity and tolerance throughout the process, cautioning against the deployment of private security, vigilante groups or any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the exercise.
The voting population consists of 211,849 delegates drawn from constituency, regional and national party structures, party elders and recognised external branches, following revisions to the register to remove deceased members and those who have forfeited their status.
The Greater Accra and Ashanti regions make up the largest share of delegates, followed by the Eastern, Central and Western regions, a distribution that analysts say could significantly shape the final outcome.
Voting is scheduled to end later today, after which counting will take place at the respective polling centres before results are forwarded to the party’s national collation centre.
The candidate who emerges victorious will be tasked with rallying the party, mending internal rifts and presenting a persuasive national agenda as the NPP looks ahead to the 2028 general elections.
Security has been reinforced nationwide, with personnel from the Ghana Police Service stationed at all polling centres, while the Electoral Commission supervises the process in collaboration with party agents and selected civil society observers.
