NPP Elders Form Committee to Safeguard Integrity of Presidential Primaries

The National Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has set up an Ad hoc Committee to oversee the upcoming presidential primaries and ensure that the campaign process is fair, transparent, and decorous.

In a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, the decision follows a meeting with the party’s aspiring presidential candidates on September 11, 2025. The move is aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the January 31, 2026, primaries while upholding the traditions and values of the party.

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

Mandate of the Committee

The committee will monitor the conduct of aspirants and their campaign teams, reviewing petitions on hate speech, insults, or abusive language. It has also been empowered to recommend sanctions and disciplinary actions where necessary to protect the unity and image of the NPP.

The Council of Elders has urged aspirants and their supporters to cooperate fully, stressing that campaigns must be conducted with civility to preserve party cohesion after the primaries.

The Contest Ahead

The NPP is holding an early congress to elect its flag bearer, a strategy party executives say will give the eventual winner sufficient time to campaign for the 2028 general elections. Though the approach has been criticized by some political observers, the party insists it strengthens its preparedness for the national polls.

Five aspirants are vying for the slot: former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; Bosomtwe MP and former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; Abetifi MP, Dr Bryan Acheampong; and former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong.