The New Patriotic Party (NPP) goes to the polls today, Saturday, January 31, to elect its presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections, in what is being described as one of the most crucial internal contests in the party’s history.
More than 211,000 accredited delegates are expected to cast their ballots nationwide as voting takes place across all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters, and at selected diaspora voting centres. The exercise is being conducted under tight security arrangements and strict electoral guidelines.
Party officials say today’s primaries go beyond the choice of a candidate, describing the process as a major test of the NPP’s unity and internal strength after months of intense campaigning, policy debates and regional engagements by aspirants.
Five candidates are contesting for the sole slot to lead the party into the 2028 elections. They are:
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Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
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Dr Bryan Acheampong
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Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
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Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum
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Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
The total delegate count stands at 211,849, following adjustments for deceased members and forfeitures. The largest voting blocs are Greater Accra, with over 40,000 delegates, and the Ashanti Region, with more than 36,000, followed by the Eastern, Central and Western regions—areas political analysts say could be decisive in determining the outcome.
NPP leadership has repeatedly called on delegates and supporters to uphold the party’s core values of discipline, unity and peaceful competition. The party has also reaffirmed its ban on vigilantes, “machomen,” and private security groups, warning that any violations could attract sanctions.
Voting is expected to begin early and end in the afternoon, after which ballots will be counted at the various centres. Results will then be transmitted to the party’s national collation centre.
The candidate who emerges victorious will immediately face the task of re-energising the party, addressing internal divisions, and crafting a compelling national message ahead of the 2028 polls.
Security has been heightened across all voting centres, with personnel from the Ghana Police Service deployed to maintain order, while the Electoral Commission (EC) oversees the conduct of the polls. Party observers and selected civil society groups are also expected to monitor the process to ensure transparency and credibility.
As voting gets underway today, national attention is firmly fixed on the NPP as it takes a decisive step toward choosing the leader who will carry its banner into Ghana’s next major electoral contest.
Source: AlmightyNews