Former Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) harbours intentions to remove the Electoral Commissioner, describing it as part of a larger threat to the country’s democratic institutions.
Addressing thousands of party supporters and delegates that attended the NPP National Delegates Conference in Accra on Saturday, Dr. Bawumia sounded the alarm on what he described as the NDC’s growing attempts to erode constitutional governance for political gain.
“Let’s stop the internal attacks now. Let us rather focus on the attempts by the NDC to undermine our democracy and the rule of law, especially in their bid to remove the Chief Justice. We must also stand firmly against their clear intentions to go after the Electoral Commissioner next,” he declared.
He also sent a stern warning to perpetrators of political violence, declaring that the NPP will ensure justice is served when it returns to power.
“I again call on His Excellency the President to bring the perpetrators to book. And let me remind them that the elephant never forgets. No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029,” Dr Bawumia declared.
The former Vice President also used the platform to caution his party against internal dangers that could be equally destructive.
“Tribalism and religious bigotry, no matter where they come from, are existential threats to our party. They must have no place in the New Patriotic Party,” he warned.
Drawing from the lessons of the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, he called for a deep, honest introspection.
“We must ensure Ghanaians genuinely see the lessons we have learned and are willing to apply the next time round. We shouldn’t be shy about admitting our mistakes. An army that wants to win must exercise discipline within its ranks,” he urged.
Nana Akufo-Addo
Former President Nana AddoDankwaAkufo-Addo, though absent in person, made his presence felt through a speech delivered on his behalf by former Chief of Staff, FremaOseiOpare.
The former President, who led the NPP to two consecutive electoral victories in 2016 and 2020, sounded a clarion call to members.
The NPP, despite its current setbacks, remains the political force under which Ghana prospers.“It is always only under the New Patriotic Party that Ghana thrives,” Akufo-Addo asserted.
While acknowledging the pain and disappointment of the 2024 defeat, he charged delegates to view the conference as more than a constitutional ritual.
“Our work here must be a formidable effort toward restructuring, rebuilding and reclaiming power,” he said.
Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised unity and reconciliation, urging the party to shed factionalism and embrace every member.
“As is typical of every family, we must find ways to reconcile differences and ensure every member has a place at the table,” he said.
He further stressed youth empowerment, describing the young people of the party as not just its future, but its present.
AlexanderAfenyo-Markin
In a candid address, Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin called time on internal divisions and sabotage.
“We must rebuild together, brick by brick, anchored in our values and the unshakable belief that no individual is bigger than the NPP,” he declared.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s comments appeared to target growing factionalism and backbiting within the party’s ranks, since the 2024 loss.
He warned that unchecked bitterness and internal hate campaigns could destroy the very foundation of the party.
“We are at a critical juncture not because our tradition is broken, but because it is being tested,” he said.
Framing the defeat not as a collapse, but as a moment for sober reflection, he called for a disciplined rebranding strategy that would restore trust with grassroots supporters.
He underscored the NPP’s legacy as more than just political machinery, but as a tradition built on the values of liberty, dignity and the rule of law.
“Our vision of a property-owning democracy must now mean giving every Ghanaian a stake in national progress through education, healthcare, financial inclusion and decent jobs,” he said.
Divine Agorhom
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Divine OtuAgorhom, echoed the frustration of many grassroots members when he boldly declared the party’s readiness to defend itself in the 2028 elections.
In a fiery welcome address, Divine Agorhom lamented the irregularities and violence that plagued the 2024 elections, accusing security forces of standing idly by as violence unfolded.
“The police stood by helplessly as thugs brutalised observers, including journalists and women,” hesaid.
Calling the violence an assault on democracy, Divine Agorhom insisted that the NPP would not be passive victims in future contests. “Let me be clear: the NPP is ready to defend and protect itself going into 2028,” he declared.
But his message wasn’t just about external threats. The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party also addressed internal strife, acknowledging that some wounds were self-inflicted due to leadership mistrust and post-election frustrations.
“This must stop. The path to power requires unity, sacrifice, and respect for our structures. We must empower our youth and women,” he said. He welcomed the party’s constitutional amendment process and early presidential primary, calling them strategic moves to rebuild cohesion.
Delegates approve 54 motions
In a decisive show of internal democracy, delegates approved a comprehensive package of 54 motions designed to strengthen the NPP’s structures and policy direction ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The motions, adopted on Saturday, July 19, at the delegate conference, covered critical areas such as constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, grassroots empowerment, policy development and party governance.
This move underscored the party’s renewed commitment to progressive reform and organisational renewal after its 2024 electoral defeat.
However, the delegates also sent a strong signal about the limits of reform, firmly rejecting two key constitutional amendment proposals viewed as potential threats to the party’s grassroots structures and youth representation.
One of the most hotly debated proposals, Motion 17, sought to amend Article 7(30) of the NPP Constitution by granting Regional Executive Committees the power to appoint individuals excluding Polling Station, Electoral Area and Constituency Officers to supervise polling station and electoral area elections.
But in a resounding voice, delegates shot down the proposal.
Another contentious proposal, Motion 54, aimed at redefining the age bracket for youth within the party, also faced stiff opposition.
The motion sought to amend Article 15(4) of the party’s constitution to officially classify “youth” as any member not older than 35 years, a move proponents argued would align with international benchmarks set by organisations like the UN, WHO, UNICEF and the African Youth Charter.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who justified the motion, noted that even Ghana’s National Youth Authority Act recognises youth within the 15 to 25 age range.
Nonetheless, the proposal was rejected, with many delegates insisting that such a change risked marginalising younger members and altering the dynamics of youth participation in the party’s affairs.
