NPP to hold National Delegates Conference today

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is holding its National Delegates Conference today, Saturday, July 19, at the University of Ghana Stadium, gathering over 5,500 delegates to discuss major constitutional reforms and chart a new path after its 2024 electoral defeat.

Held under the theme “Rebuilding Together with our Values,” the conference is set to debate 59 proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. These amendments are expected to reshape internal structures, expand grassroots participation, and enhance democratic accountability ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Key Proposed Changes

A major proposal under consideration is the reform or scrapping of the Special Electoral College, which has faced criticism for being exclusionary. Other amendments aim to broaden delegate representation in presidential primaries and enhance transparency in party governance.

Legal Challenge Threatens Proceedings

The conference faces a last-minute legal challenge from two party members, Shamsudeen Iddrisu and Boateng Kwadwo, who have filed a motion at the High Court seeking an injunction.

The plaintiffs argue that the party violated its constitution by failing to hold constituency and regional delegates conferences, prerequisites for the national event. They insist that only the National Annual Delegates Conference, not the National Executive Council (NEC), has the authority to waive these requirements.

Despite this legal threat, NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, stated that the party has not been served with any court order and plans to proceed as scheduled.

What’s on the Agenda

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, noted that the constitutional proposals have been simplified for easy understanding and circulated weeks in advance.

While major changes may be endorsed at the conference, Osei-Owusu clarified that presidential primaries set for January 31, 2026, will still follow the current constitution if the amendments are not yet ratified.

Other agenda items include:

1. National Chairman’s address
2. General Secretary’s report
3. Financial report by the National Treasurer
4. Ban on Campaigning

To maintain unity, the NPP has imposed a strict ban on campaign materials at the venue. A dedicated team, supported by compliance monitors, will enforce the restriction to prevent the conference from being used for presidential campaign activities.