The office of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly denied reports suggesting he petitioned the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to postpone the party’s upcoming National Delegates Conference or to overturn decisions regarding early primaries.
In a strongly worded statement issued by his office, the former president rejected the reports as “completely false,” clarifying that he had neither submitted a petition nor made any informal requests to delay the party’s internal calendar.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state emphatically that these reports are completely false,” the statement read. “President Akufo-Addo, who has been out of the jurisdiction for some time now, has not made any such requests on the party—either by a petition or any other means—and he does not have any such intentions.”
The statement added that those circulating the falsehoods “have an agenda of their own, which has nothing to do with improving the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party.”
No petition, no interference – Aide clarifies
Fawaz Aliu, a former Deputy Chief of Staff and close aide to the ex-president, also issued a public clarification, describing the allegations as “false and misleading.”
“The former president has made no such request to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and continues to respect the structures and decisions of the party,” Mr. Aliu stated. “The report should be disregarded and treated with the contempt it deserves.”
His remarks followed reports that the NPP’s NEC had unanimously rejected a proposal—purportedly pushed by former presidents, including Akufo-Addo—to delay the July 19 conference.
However, both the aide and the former president’s office insist that no such proposal originated from Mr. Akufo-Addo.
The former president, currently outside the country, is not expected to attend the two-day National Delegates Conference, scheduled for Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
They noted that both the July 19 conference date and the January 31, 2026, date for the presidential primaries were decided in his absence, and that he was not present at the most recent National Council meeting where the decisions were ratified.
Nonetheless, the former president is expected to send a goodwill message to be read during the conference.
Preparations for the conference are in the final stages
Meanwhile, preparations for the much-anticipated conference are in full swing.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Planning Committee Chairman, Joseph Osei-Owusu, confirmed last week that 5,675 delegates are expected to participate.
Held under the theme “Rebuilding Together with Our Values,” the conference is positioned as a critical moment for the NPP’s future direction.
Delegates will deliberate on several proposed constitutional amendments distilled from the 300-page Mike Oquaye Committee Report and its 64-page summary.
Key reforms will be tabled for a vote during the two-day event, aiming to refine the party’s internal structures and strategic vision as it gears up for the 2028 general elections.
Reform and unity on the agenda
Richard Ahiagbah, the party’s Director of Communications, stressed that the conference theme reflects a commitment to introspection, institutional reform, and renewed unity.
“This conference is crucial for the NPP’s retooling ahead of 2028,” Mr. Ahiagbah noted.
“We’re looking inward, strengthening our systems, and reinforcing the party’s foundational values.”
Key addresses are expected from the National Chairman, General Secretary, and National Treasurer, each outlining their visions and plans for the party’s growth.
Comprehensive security arrangements, logistical support, and public health protocols, including COVID-19 measures, are in place to ensure a smooth and safe event.
Akufo-Addo respects party structures
Despite his absence, former President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to the party’s constitutional order remains clear.
His office and aides have made it known that he has no intention of influencing internal decisions or schedules.
The attempt to link him to an alleged petition, party insiders suggest, is a fabrication intended to create division or confusion ahead of what promises to be a landmark event in the NPP’s internal calendar.
Party members and the public are being urged to disregard such false claims and focus instead on the substance of the upcoming conference—charting a united path forward for the NPP.
