NPP presidential primary: Elders form committee to oversee flag bearer aspirant campaigns

The National Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has constituted an Ad hoc Committee to monitor and safeguard the integrity of the campaign process ahead of the party’s presidential primaries. 

In a statement issued and signed by the Chairman of the Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, last Monday, the committee is mandated to ensure that the campaign is conducted in a fair, transparent and decorous manner, consistent with the values and traditions of the NPP.

It said the decision to constitute the five-member committee followed an engagement with the party’s aspiring presidential candidates last week, Thursday (September 11, 2025), to ensure that the January 31, 2026, election was conducted in accordance with the values of the party.

The committee, chaired by Dr Kwasi Abeasi, also include Dr Alex Glover-Quartey, Ato Hamilton, Kwadwo Afari and Mark Opoku.

Committee’s mandate

As part of its mandate, the statement indicated that the committee would monitor the comments, actions and conduct of all aspirants and their followers during the campaign.

It is expected to receive and review petitions from aspirants regarding utterances, hate speeches, insults and abusive language directed at them by opponents.

It is also mandated to recommend appropriate measures and sanctions, including initiating disciplinary action where necessary, to preserve the unity, dignity and image of the party.

Cooperation

The Council of Elders urged all aspirants, their campaign teams and supporters to cooperate fully with the committee in the discharge of its mandate.

It also appealed to aspirants and their followers to conduct their campaigns with utmost decorum to ensure the party’s unity after the presidential primaries.

“The party remains committed to conducting a peaceful, respectful and dignified primary process that strengthens our unity and readiness for the national elections,” it said.

Aspirants

The NPP heads to the polls for an early congress to elect its flag bearer. The top-down approach, which has been criticised by many political actors, including opponents, is unprecedented in the party’s history.

However, party executives believe it is a masterstroke to give ample time to the winner to campaign going into the 2028 general election.

Five aspirants are gearing up for the contest.

The former Vice-President and former flag bearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and his closest rival, former member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, are gunning to lead the party.

MP for Bosomtwe and former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, MP for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong, and former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyepong, make up the rest of the list.