NPP Conference Set to Shake Party Foundations with Bold Constitutional Reforms tomorrow
Over 5,500 delegates converge in Accra as landmark proposals, including abolition of Special Electoral College, take centre stage
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is on the brink of major structural reforms as more than 5,500 delegates converge on Accra tomorrow, July 19, for the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference under the theme: “Rebuilding Together with Our Values.”
At the heart of this year’s conference is a controversial proposed amendment to the NPP constitution aimed at scrapping the Special Electoral College and expanding the delegate base for electing a presidential candidate. The motion, spearheaded by party stalwarts Peter MacManu and Evans Nimako, calls for the deletion of Article 13(1)(9), arguing the College is unrepresentative and slows down primaries.
If adopted, the amendment will widen the electoral college to include a vast network of party stakeholders — from National Council members to polling station executives, MPs, MMDCEs, and TESCON representatives — a move advocates say will enhance transparency and reduce elite control.
■ Legal Hurdle Ahead of Conference
However, the much-anticipated conference is facing a last-minute legal challenge. Two party members, Shamsudeen Iddrisu and Boateng Kwadwo, have filed a motion at the High Court seeking an injunction, arguing that the party violated its constitution by failing to first organise constituency and regional conferences.
According to them, only the National Annual Delegates Conference has the authority to waive such constitutional requirements — not the National Council. The plaintiffs contend their grievances were ignored by the National Executive Council despite a prior petition.
The motion is scheduled for hearing on Thursday, July 24, but as of press time, the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, said no official notice had been received from the court.
■ Tight Rules and Campaign Ban
In a bid to maintain order and neutrality, the planning committee has banned all campaign-related materials at the conference venue. According to Planning Committee Chair, Joseph Osei-Owusu, “There shall be no billboards, banners, posters, flyers, T-shirts or souvenirs with aspirant branding allowed.”
To enforce the rule, a dedicated compliance team will patrol the grounds, with any prohibited materials to be confiscated and destroyed. “No exceptions,” Osei-Owusu warned.
■ Political Analysts Call for Unity and Reform
Commenting on the conference’s significance, political scientist Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa said the NPP stands at a “critical juncture” following what many consider its most painful electoral defeat since 1992.
Dr Darkwa believes the proposed expansion of the electoral college could curb elite dominance and reduce the influence of money in party primaries, promoting inclusivity and grassroots ownership of internal processes.
His colleague, Dr John Osae-Kwapong, described the conference theme as timely, stressing the need for the party to own up to its 2024 defeat and rebuild internal cohesion.
“It’s time to embrace the lessons of 2024 and demonstrate a renewed commitment to unity and voter trust,” he said, urging the party to use the conference to make peace with the Ghanaian electorate.
■ Path Forward
While the adoption of the amendments is not guaranteed to take effect before the 2026 flag bearer election, Mr Osei-Owusu noted that the process has been streamlined, with proposals circulated in advance and simplified for broader understanding.
Regardless of the outcome, he affirmed that if the constitutional changes are not finalised, the upcoming primaries will proceed under the current rules.
The conference will also review the National Chairman’s statement, the General Secretary’s report, and statements of account from the National Treasurer.
Whether transformative reform or legal restraint wins the day, tomorrow’s conference could redefine the NPP’s path to political recovery.
