Let the grassroots vote — Arthur Kennedy criticises NPP’s delegate system

Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former flagbearer aspirant has described the party’s current delegate system in electing leaders as undemocratic and prone to manipulation. He is therefore calling for reforms that would allow all registered party members to vote in presidential primaries.

Speaking to Channel One TV on Saturday [June 21, 2025], he argued that the existing arrangement limits decision-making to a small number of delegates, many of whom, he alleged, are susceptible to inducements.

“In the U.S., every party supporter votes in primaries. Here, a few delegates are bribed with TVs, fridges, even cash,” he said. “We should open the electoral college to all registered members. But we are afraid because some prefer controlling a few delegates to empowering the grassroots.”

He said the NPP once held a strong reputation for internal democracy but warned that recent events suggest increasing central control by a few individuals.

According to him, conversations about broadening participation in internal elections started after the party’s loss in 2008, but little has changed due to resistance from those benefiting from the current structure.

Dr Arthur Kennedy also expressed concern over the party’s plan to hold its presidential primary in January 2026, describing the timing as hasty and inconsistent with established party practice.

He said the traditional order was to elect party executives at all levels before choosing a flagbearer.

“If we fail to deepen democracy, we risk alienating the party’s base,” he warned. “The current process is not just flawed, it’s a betrayal of the NPP’s principles.”

He restated his long-held position that the growing influence of money in internal elections undermines the credibility of the party and could erode its public trust.

Dr Kennedy urged the NPP leadership to embrace reforms that allow for wider participation and greater transparency.