Politics
Elections Watch Ghana Raises Concerns Over Cost, Gender Balance in NPP Delegates’ Election
Elections Watch Ghana has congratulated the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the successful conduct of its delegates’ election but has raised concerns over the cost of internal party elections, security deployment, women’s representation and the growing influence of money in determining electoral outcomes.
In its report on the NPP delegates’ election in October 2026, Elections Watch Ghana described the exercise as an important component of Ghana’s democratic process and said it demonstrated the party’s continued commitment to internal democracy, participation and the strengthening of political institutions.
The organisation congratulated all successful candidates and urged them to approach their new responsibilities with integrity, inclusiveness and accountability.
According to the report, elected executives have a responsibility not only to serve the interests of the NPP but also to contribute positively to the development and consolidation of Ghana’s democracy.
Elections Watch Ghana commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for what it described as the professional management of the electoral process.
It noted that the apparent reduction of errors to a minimum was encouraging and demonstrated the importance of continued investment in efficient electoral administration, adequate preparation and proper procedures.
The security agencies were also praised for maintaining peace and order throughout the exercise.
However, the organisation expressed concern about the deployment of more than 3,000 police officers for what was an internal party election.
While acknowledging that election security remains important, Elections Watch Ghana questioned the long-term sustainability and cost of deploying such a large number of police personnel for a single internal party contest.
It called for continuous assessment and refinement of security arrangements to ensure that they remain proportionate, efficient and sustainable.
The organisation further called for greater emphasis on election-related education for citizens, delegates, candidates and other stakeholders.
It also urged authorities to strengthen specialised electoral monitoring and election-security training for security personnel so that officers assigned to electoral duties would better understand the specific requirements of democratic elections.
Another major concern highlighted in the report was the representation of women in the NPP’s leadership.
Elections Watch Ghana noted that only one woman was among the elected executives, raising concerns about the level of women’s representation in political leadership.
The organisation said if Ghana is to achieve meaningful inclusion in political governance, deliberate efforts must be made to create greater opportunities for women to participate in decision-making at all levels.
It therefore encouraged the NPP to consider gender balance and inclusiveness in future appointments and leadership opportunities.
Elections Watch Ghana stressed that greater representation of women should not be viewed merely as a numbers game but as an essential part of building a political system that reflects the diversity, experiences and aspirations of Ghanaians.
The report also raised concerns about the increasing cost of internal party elections.
According to Elections Watch Ghana, expenses relating to transportation, feeding, accommodation and other logistical arrangements can place significant financial pressure on candidates.
It warned that such financial burdens could create an environment where a candidate’s financial capacity becomes an important factor in determining electoral success.
The organisation proposed that political parties consider mechanisms through which the basic logistical needs of accredited delegates could be centrally organised and financed by the party.
This, it said, would prevent individual aspirants from having to shoulder the cost of transporting, feeding or accommodating delegates.
Elections Watch Ghana believes such reforms could help create a more level playing field and reduce the influence of money in internal party contests.
The report further expressed concern over what it described as an increasing emphasis on candidates perceived to be politically aggressive, influential or financially capable.
It argued that greater attention should instead be given to candidates who present clear and innovative ideas for advancing the party and the country.
According to Elections Watch Ghana, political leadership should ultimately be based on vision, competence, character, service and the ability to develop and implement policies that improve the lives of citizens.
The organisation therefore urged delegates to look beyond popularity, personal influence, political connections and financial strength when choosing leaders.
It called on delegates to carefully assess the ideas, proposals, track records, integrity, leadership abilities and commitment of candidates before voting.
It warned that the quality of leadership produced through internal party elections can have consequences extending beyond the political party itself.
Elections Watch Ghana said the NPP delegates’ election serves as a reminder that the strength of Ghana’s democracy depends not only on national elections but also on the quality of democracy practised within political parties.
The organisation commended the NPP, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, candidates, delegates and other stakeholders who contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election.
At the same time, it said the exercise presented an opportunity to reflect on areas requiring improvement, particularly the cost of internal elections, the influence of money, gender representation, electoral education, security arrangements, and the need to place ideas and competence at the centre of political leadership selection.
Elections Watch Ghana concluded that responsibility for building a better political system rests with all stakeholders, stressing that every delegate has the power to influence the direction of a political party and, by extension, the future of the country.