After months of intense campaigning, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to elect its flagbearer for the 2028 general election in primaries scheduled for tomorrow.
More than 211,849 registered delegates across the country are expected to cast their ballots to determine which of the five aspirants will lead the party into the next presidential race.
The contest has been widely described as one of the most fiercely contested and closely watched in the party’s history, as well as one of the most divisive internal campaigns.
Most political observers have tipped Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to win the contest, although veteran politician Mr Kennedy Agyapong is expected to mount a strong challenge.
The other contenders are former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former NPP General Secretary, Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; and former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Voting will take place at 333 designated polling centres nationwide, including centres in the diaspora. The exercise will begin at 7:00 a.m. GMT and close at 2:00 p.m. GMT, with the Electoral Commission (EC) overseeing the process to ensure transparency and credibility.
Peace pact signed
In a bid to promote unity within the party, all five aspirants have signed a peace pact, committing to accept the outcome of the elections in accordance with party rules and to work together to ensure cohesion after the primaries.
Security arrangements
The Ghana Police Service has been designated the sole security agency responsible for providing security during the primaries.
In a statement signed by the NPP National Organiser, Mr Henry Nana Boakye, the party warned that the deployment of any unauthorised personnel from National Security or other agencies would be treated as a “deliberate and unlawful intrusion” into the party’s internal democratic process.
“The Ghana Police Service has so far shown capacity and professionalism. We expect them to enforce this directive strictly and without compromise,” the statement said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohunu, assured the public that comprehensive security measures would be in place before, during, and after the elections.
He disclosed that a minimum of 70 police personnel would be deployed to each polling station under the supervision of senior officers. In the Bawku enclave, the Ghana Armed Forces will support police operations.
Voting eligibility
Delegates eligible to vote include members of recognised party structures, TESCON representatives from tertiary institutions, and external branches.
Those ineligible include members of the national leadership, regional and constituency executives, polling station executives, elected officials, ministers and deputy ministers, past national directors, patrons, founding members, and certain party veterans.
Aspirants’ profiles
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and NPP flagbearer in the 2024 election, is known for his national appeal, economic expertise, and digital transformation agenda, earning him the nickname “the economy wizkid.”
In the 2024 election, he secured 4,897,611 votes (41.75 per cent) against President John Dramani Mahama’s 6,591,790 votes (56.42 per cent).
Mr Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, is a veteran politician noted for his forthright style. His campaign focuses on industrialisation, job creation, and broad-based economic growth.
Dr Bryan Acheampong, the youngest candidate in the race, has campaigned on party renewal, youth empowerment, and national development, with emphasis on agriculture, infrastructure, and private sector growth.
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education, prioritises educational transformation and human capital development, having championed the Free Senior High School and STEM initiatives.
Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former NPP General Secretary, highlights his organisational experience and capacity to unify party members.
BY KINGSLEY HOPE, CLIFF
EKUFUL & BERNARD BENGAN
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