The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is today, Saturday, January 31, conducting its presidential primaries to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
211,849 accredited delegates are taking part in the nationwide exercise, which party officials describe as one of the most significant internal elections in the party’s history.
Voting is underway in all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters, and in selected diaspora centres, under tight security arrangements and strict electoral regulations.
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Beyond selecting a presidential candidate, the primary is seen as a major test of the NPP’s unity and organisational strength after months of intense internal campaigning, policy discussions, and nationwide tours by aspirants.
Five candidates are contesting for the party’s top slot:
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Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
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Dr. Bryan Acheampong
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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
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Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
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Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
Party leadership has repeatedly appealed to delegates and supporters to uphold discipline, unity, and peaceful conduct, warning against violence, the use of private security, or the presence of vigilante groups.
Delegates are drawn from constituency, regional, and national structures, party elders, and recognised external branches.
Greater Accra and Ashanti regions constitute the largest voting blocs, with over 40,000 and 36,000 delegates, respectively. Eastern, Central, and Western regions also hold significant influence, and their voting patterns are expected to shape the outcome.
Voting began early this morning and is scheduled to end in the afternoon. Counting will take place at the various centres before results are transmitted to the party’s national collation centre.
The eventual winner will immediately face the task of uniting the party, resolving internal divisions, and crafting a strong campaign message ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Historically, the NPP’s presidential primaries have played a critical role in determining the party’s electoral fortunes. While decisive victories have often strengthened national campaigns, closely contested races have required extensive reconciliation efforts.
Security personnel from the Ghana Police Service have been deployed to all polling centres, while the Electoral Commission is overseeing the process.
The party has also reinforced its ban on “machomen” and vigilante groups, warning that violations could lead to disciplinary action.
Observers from within the party and selected civil society organisations are monitoring the process to ensure transparency and credibility.
On the eve of the polls, senior party leaders urged delegates to vote in the party’s interest and called on supporters to remain calm and respectful of the outcome.
As voting continues across the country, attention remains firmly focused on the NPP as it takes a decisive step toward selecting its leader for the next national election.