All Eyes on NPP as Party Heads to Polls Today to Choose Flagbearer for 2028 Elections
Over 211,000 delegates vote nationwide in a high-stakes contest to select the party’s presidential candidate
- More than 211,000 accredited delegates are voting across all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters and selected diaspora centres
- The primaries will determine the NPP’s presidential flagbearer for the 2028 general elections
- Voting is being conducted under strict guidelines with police deployment
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) today, Saturday, January 31, heads to the polls to elect its presidential flagbearer for the 2028 general elections in what is being described as one of the most consequential internal contests in the party’s history.
A total of 211,849 accredited delegates are expected to cast their ballots nationwide, as voting takes place across all 16 regions, at the party’s national headquarters, and at selected diaspora voting centres, under strict security and electoral protocols.
Beyond choosing a candidate, today’s primaries are widely viewed as a defining test of the NPP’s unity, internal democracy and organisational strength, following months of intense campaigning, policy debates and nationwide tours by aspirants.
Five contenders are vying for the coveted slot to lead the party into the 2028 elections:
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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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Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
Party leadership has consistently urged delegates and supporters to uphold the NPP’s core values of discipline, unity and peaceful competition, while warning against the use of private security, vigilantes or any conduct that could undermine the credibility of the process.
The delegate list comprises constituency, regional and national officers, party elders and recognised external branches. The figure reflects adjustments made for deceased members and forfeitures.
In terms of voting strength, Greater Accra leads with over 40,000 delegates, followed by Ashanti Region with more than 36,000, while the Eastern, Central and Western Regions also hold significant influence. Analysts say turnout and voting trends in these regions could be decisive.
Voting is expected to begin early and close in the afternoon, after which counting will take place at the various centres. Results will then be transmitted to the party’s national collation centre.
The flagbearer elected today will immediately face the task of reorganising the party, healing internal divisions and articulating a compelling national vision ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Historically, the NPP’s presidential primaries have shaped its electoral fortunes, with strong internal mandates often translating into effective national campaigns, while tightly contested races have required extensive post-primary reconciliation.
The Ghana Police Service has deployed personnel to all polling centres to maintain order, while the Electoral Commission (EC) is overseeing the conduct of the polls. The party has reiterated its ban on “machomen” and vigilantes, warning that violations could attract sanctions.
Observers from within the party and selected civil society groups are also monitoring the exercise to ensure transparency and credibility.
As voting gets underway, all eyes are on the NPP as it takes a critical step toward selecting the leader who will carry its banner into Ghana’s next major political contest.
