The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced a timetable for its internal elections and presidential primaries, but critics argue that the sequencing is unconventional and dangerous for internal party democracy and the integrity of Ghana’s broader political system.
The Problem with the Timetable
The timetable, which includes polling station elections on December 6, 2025, and presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, has raised concerns about the party’s commitment to reform. By holding presidential primaries before restructuring its grassroots and executive base, the party may be putting the cart before the horse.
Lack of Accountability
The NPP has also been criticized for not publishing a transparent post-mortem of its 2024 electoral defeat. This lack of accountability and introspection raises questions about the party’s willingness to learn from its mistakes and implement meaningful reforms.
Failed Executives Still in Power
Furthermore, those who oversaw the 2024 defeat remain in power and are leading the party’s reforms. This has led to accusations that the party is more interested in preserving personalities than principles.
A Broken Delegate System
The NPP’s delegate system has also been criticized for being undemocratic and disproportionately empowering a handful of party delegates. The party’s reform blueprint fails to address this core problem, raising questions about its commitment to internal democracy.
Dangers Ahead
The NPP’s timetable and approach to reform reflect a party that wants to seize power without being accountable to its members or the broader public. If the party fails to do the hard work of reform, it may face the painful consequences of losing again in the future.