Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has announced that he will remain neutral in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming presidential primaries. He says his position as a leader calls for unity within the party, not open endorsement of any particular candidate.

Speaking on Joy News on Monday, October 27, Afenyo-Markin explained that while many of his colleagues have publicly declared support for various aspirants, his leadership role requires him to act with restraint and impartiality.

“For me as a leader, I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person,” he stated. “Because of where I sit, I have a role to play in the aftermath of January 31st, so I believe it’s best to stay neutral.”

He noted that taking sides could make it difficult for him to effectively mediate and unite the party after the internal elections.

“If I show my hand openly now, it will be hard for others to trust my efforts when I try to bring everyone together later. So, I think it’s only right to stay this way,” he added.

Despite his neutral stance, the Effutu MP praised colleagues who have openly declared their support for various candidates, describing their approach as “decent and responsible.”

“I think so far, the MPs who have declared their positions have done so respectfully. Initially, my concern was how those who openly supported candidates would manage themselves, but they’ve been decent,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin also reiterated his earlier call for MPs to remain neutral to preserve harmony in the party, warning that internal contests should not breed division.

“To be a credible referee who is trusted by all sides, it’s better to remain neutral—at least not declare publicly,” he advised.

He acknowledged that not everyone agrees with his position, but emphasized that he respects the right of others to support their preferred candidates as long as it’s done with decorum.

His remarks come as the NPP prepares for a crucial presidential primary, a contest expected to shape the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the next general election.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully conducted its official balloting exercise to determine the order in which presidential aspirants will appear on the ballot paper for the party’s upcoming presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.

In a statement issued by the party’s Presidential Elections Committee on October 10, five aspirants have been confirmed to contest for the NPP’s flagbearership position. The order on the ballot paper is as follows:

1. Ken Ohene Agyapong

2. Dr. Bryan Acheampong

3. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

4. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum

5. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong

The exercise, held in collaboration with officials from the Electoral Commission (EC), was aimed at ensuring transparency, credibility, and fairness throughout the party’s internal electoral process.

In a statement, William Yamoah, Secretary to the Presidential Elections Committee, expressed appreciation to all aspirants, their representatives, and EC officials for their cooperation and decorum during the event.

He reaffirmed the party’s dedication to democratic principles, stating:

 “The New Patriotic Party remains steadfast in its resolve to conduct a transparent, credible, and peaceful presidential primary as we prepare to elect a flagbearer for the 2026 general elections.”

This balloting marks a major milestone in the NPP’s internal election process as the party gears up for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest to choose its next leader ahead of the 2026 national polls.

President John Dramani Mahama will pay a courtesy call on the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Friday, October 10, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Presidency and the national broadcaster.

According to a circular issued by management, a staff durbar will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the back of the Administration Block to mark the visit. All staff have been encouraged to attend and be punctual.

President Mahama’s visit is expected to deepen cooperation in strengthening public service broadcasting and advancing national development through effective communication.

The durbar will also provide an opportunity for staff to engage with the President and share ideas on how GBC can continue to serve as a credible and independent voice for the nation.

Source: GBCONLINE