The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is conducting its presidential primary today, Saturday, January 31, to choose a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Voting is underway across the country, with over 211,000 accredited delegates expected to participate in what party officials describe as one of the most extensive and significant internal contests in the party’s history. Polls are open in all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters, and at designated diaspora voting centres, all operating under strict security arrangements and electoral rules.
The primary follows months of vigorous campaigning, policy engagements and nationwide tours by the contenders, and is seen as a major measure of the party’s internal cohesion.
Five candidates are vying for the position: Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
Party leadership has repeatedly called on delegates and supporters to demonstrate discipline, unity and tolerance, cautioning against the involvement of private security operatives, vigilante groups or any actions that could compromise the integrity of the process.
The electorate consists of 211,849 delegates drawn from constituency, regional and national party structures, party elders and recognised external branches. The figure reflects updates to the voters’ register following the removal of deceased members and other adjustments. Greater Accra and Ashanti regions form the largest voting blocs, followed by Eastern, Central and Western regions, which analysts say could play a decisive role in the outcome.
Voting is scheduled to end later today, after which ballots will be counted at the various centres and results forwarded to the party’s national collation centre.
Whoever wins the contest will be expected to immediately focus on uniting the party, resolving internal rifts and developing a strong national campaign message ahead of the 2028 elections.
The Ghana Police Service has deployed officers to all polling locations to ensure law and order, with the Electoral Commission supervising the exercise. The party has also reaffirmed its ban on vigilante activities, warning that violations will attract sanctions, as party observers and selected civil society organisations monitor the process to ensure transparency and credibility.