The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Council of Elders has put forward a comprehensive package of constitutional amendments aimed at revitalizing the party’s internal democracy and fostering unity ahead of the 2028 polls.
The proposed reforms, totaling 59 key points, are set to be a central topic at the NPP National Delegates Conference convening today, July 19, at the University of Ghana. They come amid growing calls from within the party for deep introspection following the electoral setback that saw the ruling party lose both the presidency and a majority in Parliament.
Having served as the party’s moral compass and conflict mediator in past crises, the Council of Elders is leveraging its advisory mandate to recommend structural changes that will strengthen grassroots engagement, enhance checks and balances, and ensure collective leadership.
Among the highlights of the submission are measures to expand the composition and influence of the Council of Elders by including past Presidents, Vice Presidents, and National Chairmen, as well as the power to nominate additional distinguished members.
The Council is also seeking a formalized role in overseeing party leadership and governance by instituting regular quarterly meetings with the President or Flagbearer to provide counsel on party and government affairs.
Significantly, the elders propose establishing a Judicial Committee within the party to serve as the ultimate arbiter in internal disputes, promoting fairness and reducing factional tensions through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Council also envisions a more involved role in election processes, calling for the Flagbearer to engage with the elders before and after nomination, including guidance on campaign strategy and the selection of running mates based on considerations of gender balance, regional representation, and religious diversity.
An operational budget for the Council and an annual nationwide conference to evaluate party activities at all levels are further elements intended to institutionalize the elders’ role in shaping the NPP’s future direction.
The 2024 elections saw the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, defeated by the National Democratic Congress’s John Dramani Mahama, with the NDC securing a decisive parliamentary majority. The resulting shift has sparked urgent demands within the NPP for reforms that will restore cohesion, accountability, and electoral competitiveness.
As Ghana’s leading opposition party prepares for its next electoral challenge, the Council of Elders’ proposals aim to build a more resilient and united NPP, anchored in democratic principles and guided by the wisdom of its senior leaders.
AMENDMENT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY THE NPP NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS
- All members of the NCOE shall vote in ALL National Elections.
- In addition to the Regional Representatives on the NCOE, the Council is allowed to nominate five (5) members for appointment to the Council based on distinguished service, support, and exemplary commitment to the advancement of the Party. This will be done from time to time.
- All past Presidents, past Vice Presidents, and past National Chairmen will be inducted to NCOE at the end of their service to ensure the harnessing of their experiences to the Council.
- The NCOE must not support or be seen to favour any candidate.
- When in power, there shall be a mandatory quarterly meeting with the President where issues of concern will be discussed. This meeting will offer the President or the Presidential Candidate to give account of his/her stewardship for appropriate political counsel.
- The NCOE shall be represented by five (5) of its members (Chairman, Vice Chairman, plus three others) on the National Council of the Party.
- The NCOE shall be given an operational budget to carry out its functions.
- The NCOE shall institute an annual nationwide conference to review the Party’s activities at all levels to secure the foundation upon which the party’s stability and strategic direction can be anchored.
- The NCOE shall establish a Judicial Committee consisting of both lawyers and non-lawyers which shall act as the final appeal body within the party. The Committee shall apply wisdom to the law, ADR and no bias to resolve controversies and disputes.
- The NCOE shall also be advisory to the National Council of the Party at all levels including the Flagbearer.
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Circulated by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong - Upon election, the Flagbearer shall appear before the NCOE for advice and input into the campaign strategy and direction. Principles regarding the selection of Running Mate (gender, regional balance, religion, etc.)
- The Flagbearer, upon selection/ election, shall be introduced to the NCOE by the National Chairman before the official outdooring.
- The NCOE must be kept informed of the contents of the Flagbearer’s maiden speech.
- The elected President must select ministers, chief executives, MMDCEs in consultation with the NCOE.
