The counting process marks the next stage of the party’s national delegates congress, where delegates have voted to elect new national officers to lead the party.

The election forms part of the NPP’s reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general election.

Attention is now on the counting process as delegates and party supporters await the results of the various executive positions.

The situation left several members of the Tertiary Students Confederacy of the NPP (TESCON) waiting to vote, with some expressing fears that they could be denied the opportunity to cast their ballots.

The agitated delegates chanted, “We are voting,” as tensions rose at the polling area.

The incident occurred about five and a half hours into the election, which began around 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 3.

According to JoyNews reporter Nana Yaw Gyimah, police personnel intervened to restore order while Electoral Commission officials worked to resolve the concerns.

Officers cordoned off the area and directed the delegates back into orderly queues as efforts continued to address the confusion.

However, the National Coordinator of TESCON dismissed reports that the album containing the names of Ashanti Region delegates was missing, explaining that the problem stemmed from confusion over the designated polling centres.

He said the region has 50 TESCON institutions, whose representatives were expected to vote at three centres labelled A, B and C.

“There is no issue. The whole TESCON album for the country, you know, they are all supposed to vote in their various regions. So Asante region has 50 TESCON institutions.

“But our polling centres were three: A, B, C. So as to where exactly they were supposed to vote was the issue. They went to A and then they didn’t find their names. They came to B and they didn’t find their names and came to C to see their names.

“And now they are voting. That was the only challenge. And it’s been resolved that they are voting now,” he said.

The coordinator also rejected suggestions that the album had gone missing during the voting process.

“No, no, no. That’s never the case. It’s been here since morning,” he said.

He maintained that all 50 TESCON representatives from the Ashanti Region had their names captured in the EC’s sub-album and would be given the opportunity to vote.

“As I’m talking to you, you can see the voting processes have started. None of them will be disenfranchised. All the 50 people here, their names are captured on the EC sub-album. That is how come they’ve been allowed to be here,” he said.

Calm has since been restored at the polling area, with voting continuing.

Meanwhile, voting had ended at some other centres, where election officials had begun counting ballots.

Several TESCON members were left waiting to cast their ballots. Fearing they would be shut out of the process, they grew agitated and began chanting, “We are voting.”

The trouble started roughly five and a half hours after polls opened at about 6 p.m. on October 3.

JoyNews’ Nana Yaw Gyimah reported that police moved in to calm the situation while EC officials worked on a solution. The officers cordoned off the area and guided the delegates back into queues as their complaints were looked into.

Reports had suggested the album carrying the Ashanti TESCON delegates’ names was missing, but the National Coordinator of TESCON rejected that saying the album had been at the centre since morning.

“No, no, no. That’s never the case. It’s been here since morning,” he said when asked whether the album was missing.

According to him, Ashanti has 50 TESCON institutions, and their representatives were assigned to vote at one of three polling centres, labelled A, B and C.

He said the problem was that some delegates went to the wrong centre first.

“Our polling centres were three: A, B, C. So as to where exactly they were supposed to vote was the issue. They went to A and then they didn’t find their names. They came to B and they didn’t find their names and came to C to see their names.

“And now they are voting. That was the only challenge. And it’s been resolved that they are voting now,” he said.

He said all 50 representatives appear on the EC’s sub-album, so none would be denied a vote, and that voting had resumed.

“As I’m talking to you, you can see the voting processes have started. None of them will be disenfranchised. All the 50 people here, their names are captured on the EC sub-album. That is how come they’ve been allowed to be here,” he said.

Police have since restored order at the centre and voting is continuing. At some other polling centres, voting has closed and officials have started counting ballots.

Accra-based Channel One News reported that the incident occurred after a delegate from the constituency encountered difficulties with the electoral system and was unable to cast a ballot.

The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NPP, Dr Francis Adomako, had reportedly earlier written to the constituency, barring the delegate from voting in Saturday’s election.

However, after the delegate experienced difficulties with the system, the Electoral Commission (EC) reportedly issued a ballot paper to enable the person to vote.

Mr Frimpong is alleged to have taken the ballot paper and torn it apart, prompting the police to pick him up for questioning.

The circumstances surrounding the incident and the outcome of the police inquiry were not immediately clear.

Also read:

• Four vehicles reportedly damaged as billboard collapses at NPP Delegates Conference (Video)

• Three injured in stampede at NPP National Delegates Conference

Addressing the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Bawumia said several commitments made by the NDC ahead of the 2024 general election had yet to produce the promised benefits for Ghanaians.

He took particular aim at the 24-Hour Economy initiative, which he said was expected to create employment opportunities for young people through a three-shift work system.

“The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs, a flagship 24-Hour Economy with one job, three shifts, and three people,” he said.

Turning to the recent demolition of structures at La Beach, Dr Bawumia used the exercise to mock the government’s employment pledge.

“Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-Hour demolition of buildings for so called 24-Hour markets,” he added.

He argued that young graduates, artisans and other supporters who backed the NDC on the expectation of more jobs were still waiting for the opportunities they had been promised.

The NPP flagbearer also criticised the government over the demolition exercise at La Beach, saying it had affected traders, artisans and small business owners whose livelihoods were tied to activities in the area.

Beyond employment, Dr Bawumia questioned the government’s progress on its proposed Women’s Development Bank and its pledge to reduce electricity tariffs.

He said the cost of electricity, transport and rent continued to weigh heavily on households and businesses, despite the decline in inflation.

Dr Bawumia acknowledged the need for the NPP to reflect on its own shortcomings while in opposition, saying the party had used the period to listen to Ghanaians and review its performance.

He added that the NPP was working on its governance programme ahead of the 2028 general election.

Addressing the NPP’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Bawumia said the government had failed to deliver on its promise to improve feeding arrangements for students.

“Free Senior High School is suffering under the NDC. After they promised to improve meals for students, today it has deteriorated,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the school placement process for candidates who have completed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to Dr Bawumia, some parents seeking placements for their children have been told that their wards do not qualify, leaving families frustrated over access to senior high school education.

The former Vice President further faulted the NDC government for retaining the double-track system, which was introduced following the expansion of enrolment under the Free SHS programme.

Dr Bawumia argued that the government’s handling of the policy reflected the NDC’s longstanding opposition to the initiative before it became a major feature of Ghana’s education system.

“I believe many Ghanaians are not surprised by the way the NDC government is managing the Free SHS programme. They never believed in it. They bastardised it for years. They called it 419, election after election, until they realised its impact on every household in Ghana,” he said.

He maintained that the programme would be better managed if the NPP, which introduced the policy, were in office.

“Free SHS would be truly functioning as intended if its initiator, the NPP, was in office,” Dr Bawumia added.

The Free SHS programme was introduced in 2017 under the NPP government to expand access to public senior high school education across the country.

Also read:

• NDC gov’t is a better implementer of Free SHS, NHIS – Majority Leader

• Free SHS feeding issues: NPP has been vindicated, NDC scammed Ghanaians – Ntim Fordjour

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 3, as delegates and party supporters gathered at the stadium for the NPP’s National Delegates Conference.

The billboard reportedly fell onto vehicles parked at the venue, leaving four cars damaged.

A post by SIKAOFFICIAL on X also reported the incident, describing it as the collapse of a structure near the stadium that damaged vehicles belonging to delegates attending the conference.

An unfortunate incident has occurred near the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi after a structure around the stadium collapsed, damaging several vehicles belonging to delegates attending the NPP National Delegates Conference.

[🎥: Kwaku Frimpong] pic.twitter.com/3f38XM3CQo

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) October 3, 2026

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known.

The exercise forms part of the party’s National Delegates Conference, bringing together delegates to decide who will occupy key leadership positions.

The election is expected to shape the party’s leadership as it reorganises its structures and prepares for the 2028 general election.

Delegates are voting to determine the individuals who will steer the party’s affairs at the national level in the coming years.

The NDC representatives reportedly boycotted the event on Saturday, October 3, citing delays in the start of the conference.

Mr Karbo, who served as the master of ceremonies, said he had been informed of the delegation’s departure and its explanation that members were unwilling to wait any longer to deliver their solidarity message.

He said the NPP appreciated the delegation’s decision to honour the invitation but regretted that its representatives did not stay for the programme.

“I have been aware of the presence of the NDC, and I have also been made aware of the press interview granted by their representative, who has claimed that they do not have patience to wait to deliver their solidarity message, for which they have abandoned our invitation and have left the conference; we thank them for even making the attempt. We never expected them to show up,” he said.

“We thank them for accepting our invitation, but it is unfortunate they did not have the patience to sit through the programme,” Mr Karbo added.

Speaking to JoyNews at the congress, Nana B said the event had so far been peaceful and commended the security officers for their efforts in managing the large gathering of party supporters and delegates.

“It has been peaceful, and I applaud the security for how they have controlled the crowd,” he said.

He expressed optimism about winning the vice chairman position, citing his years of service, dedication and leadership within the party.

“I am expecting obviously to win and become vice chairman. I have worked hard, and I believe that the party today will be a celebration of long service, dedication, leadership of courage, fearlessness and experience,” he said.

Nana Boakye said he remained hopeful of a positive outcome and expressed confidence that, by God’s grace, he would emerge victorious at the end of the election.

Kukrudu!

Kukrudu!

Kukrudu! 

· Acting National Chairman, Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey,

· Former President His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor

· Former President His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo

· Former 1st Lady, the beautiful Rebecca Akufo-Addo

· Former 2nd Lady, My beautiful Samira

· Members of the National Executive Committee,

· The Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Members of the Minority Caucus,

· Members of the Council of Elders,

· Members of the Diplomatic Corp,

· Representatives of Political Parties,

· Regional and Constituency Executives,

· Electoral Area Coordinators and Polling Station Executives,

· Distinuguished Guests,

· Our friends from the Media,

· Fellow patriots,

1. It is always a great pleasure to address Conference, the special congregation of committed patriots from all walks of life across the length and breadth of the country.

2. And it is always a special feeling for all of us, to be in the Ashanti Region and Kumasi, the heart of our great party, which has stood with the NPP in good times and in hard times. When our tent needed holding up, Ashanti was one of the pillars that held us up. On behalf of every member of our party, I say Medaase for the belief, continuous support and the great reception to all of us for this Conference.Advertisement

3. Today marks the end of a chapter, and the beginning of another in the glorious history of our party, as we go to the poll to elect new national executives to steer our party to victory in 2028, by the grace of God. To our national executives whose tenure ends today, we say a big thank you for your efforts, especially carrying the party through a very difficult period in which we lost an election, and also for initiating the restructuring of the party to get us back to on track.

4. I pay special tribute to our Acting National Chairman, Mr. Danquah Smith Buttey, who at a difficult moment, stepped forward and steadied the ship. You have led with calmness and with loyalty. The party is indeed grateful.

5. I also pay special tribute to our former Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Chairman Wontumi. Your years of dedicated service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our party will always be recognised and deeply appreciated.

6. To our National Chairman, Mr. Stephen Ayesu Ntim, we thank you for years of committed service to this party; from the grassroots to the highest office of our organization.

7. And on this historic day, that we seek to make a great leap into the future, we remember our great leaders and fathers on whose shoulders we stand; the President John Agyekum Kufuor and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Forever in the annals of our country, especially in the Fourth Republic, their proud record, which ensured the greatest social interventions this country has seen in decades for all Ghanaians: National Health Insurance, Free Maternity Health Care, School Feeding Programme and the game-changing Free Senior High School, will never be forgotten.

8. Before them were the foundational thinkers of our tradition, the great trio; Danquah, Busia and Dombo, among others, who taught us that freedom, enterprise and the rule of law are the surest foundations of a prosperous nation.

9. Fellow patriots, today we gather to conduct conference business which includes choosing our leaders by the ballot. Ours is a party that exchanges views, and compete, sometimes fiercely. But when we are done, we allow the principles of democracy to prevail.

10. Forty-seven of our members have offered themselves for nine national offices. It is a step to serve our party, and I congratulate every one of you. You have travelled across the country, met delegates and party members in every region and made your case with energy and conviction. Whatever the outcome, the depth of talent on display in all the positions, tells Ghana that the NPP is not short of leaders.

11. This is however, just an internal contest to select a few from well-qualified aspirants to serve our party’s collective and ultimate objective of winning back the trust of the people to serve our motherland better.  Therefore, when the voting is done today, the contest must also end. To those who win: the first hug and call you make should be to your fellow aspirants. And to those who do not win, I want to firmly assure all of you that this party still needs you. There is work for all of us.

12. Let us vote in peace, accept the results in good faith and leave Kumasi as one family.

13. Fellow Patriots, since December 2024 we have, in our quest to reorganize, done what every serious party ought to do. We have listened. We have listened to Ghanaians in the markets, on the streets, on the farms, in the offices and on campuses. We have listened to our own members at the grassroots. And we have learnt some valuable lessons.

14. We have learnt lessons in how we manage our party: how we organise, how we communicate, and how we treat the loyal men and women who tirelessly carry this party on their backs at the grassroots.

15. We have learnt lessons in how we make policy for government: that good intentions must be matched by sound evidence, careful design and genuine consultation with the people a policy is meant to serve.

16. Those lessons are already shaping our reformation. You see it in this conference. You see it in the rebuilding of our structures – culminating in the successful and peaceful manner we have elected our executives from the polling station up to the regional levels. And you see it in the way we are preparing our programme for government.

17. As part of our reformation, our party took the great decision to go for early Presidential Primaries, and at the beginning of the year, I had the honour of being elected as Presidential Candidate to lead our party to victory in 2028. It’s been eight months already and we have given meaning to that decision by constituting various policy committees and instituting meaningful engagements with different stakeholders.

18. We will not wait for the campaign to start thinking about how to govern. The work is already underway.

19. We continue to deepen our engagements with various groups, and I am confident that when we lay our 2029 Governance program before Ghanaians, the hard work we are doing will win the hearts of the majority. 

20. Fellow Patriots, an opposition party has a duty to hold government to account. And nearly two years into the NDCs administration, it is becoming clear that the questions Ghanaians are asking through us, are yet to receive convincing answers from this Government, which is struggling to fulfill many of its lofty promises to Ghanaians.

21. The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs a flagship 24-hour economy with one job, three shifts and 3 people (1-3-3). Nearly two years have passed and the jobs have not come or even showing any signs of coming. The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise of a dramatic job boom through the 1 job 3 shifts, 3 people offer under the NDC is still waiting for his or her shift. Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-hour demolition of buildings for a so-called 24-hour markets even the NDC cannot explain.

22. Permit me to commiserate with the good people of Labadi, whose livelihoods have been reduced to rubble. Traders, artisans and small business owners have watched years of hard work flattened in hours. A government that promised new jobs is instead destroying the ones Ghanaians created for themselves. We stand with Labadi, and we call on government to engage those affected, provide alternatives and pay fair compensation.

23. The NDC also promised a Women’s Development Bank. Almost two years on, that bank has not opened its doors to a single market woman.

24. They also promised a reduction in electricity tariff under their so-called 24-hour economy.  However, nearly two years on, there has rather been a dramatic increase in electricity tariff thus crippling households, small businesses and industries. Today, the barber shop owner, the hair salon operator, the bread baker and many young businesses who were promised better electricity tariffs are now striving to survive because much of their sales are going into electricity bills under the NDC government.

25. As if the suffocating electricity and water tariffs are not enough, cost of transportation continues to rise, especially in the cities, due to rising cost of spare parts and fuel. Cost of rent has also continued to rise.  So even though on paper, inflation has declined to 5%, the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians has increased massively!

26. In the midst of the government failing to fulfill its promises and unleashing all these difficulties to households and businesses, its lifeline has been the relative stability of the Cedi, largely supported by our innovative Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

27. In June 2021, on my recommendation, the Bank of Ghana launched the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme to protect our currency from global shocks. Records show how the programme saved our economy from serious crisis and revamp of the Cedi. And the programme is today the major support behind the stability of the cedi, and with it the easing of inflation and interest rates that this government now celebrates. Ironically, key officials of the government today opposed the policy when it was introduced, vehemently claiming it was not feasible. 

28. As they say, a good tool in careless hands becomes an expensive one. In 2025 alone, this Government is making unprecedented losses on this program we left for them. It is therefore, not surprising that despite the stability of the Cedi, businesses continue to suffer, prices keep soaring and cost of living for the Ghanaian is getting higher.

29. Also, several programs we bequeathed to this Government, designed to help Ghanaians live a higher quality of life have been abandoned. Our crucial national healthcare intervention, Agenda 111, which was designed to provide all districts without much-needed district hospitals, has stalled. If the NPP was in office, these hospitals would have been completed to provide easy access to healthcare to millions of Ghanaians and tens of thousands of jobs to health graduates. Apparently, this government prefers 24-hour markets to hospitals.

30. In education, Free Senior High School is suffering under the NDC. After they promised to improve meals for students, today it has deteriorated. Many of our young BECE graduates are being deliberately cut off from Free SHS and what frustrated parents are told by the government is that their wards have deservedly failed. They criticized our phased introduction of double track system to accommodate many of young BECE graduates in school. They promised to immediately abolish it, but rather they have abandoned the promise they made to Ghanaians.

31. I believe many Ghanaians are not surprised by the way the NDC government is managing the Free SHS program. They never believed in it. They bastardised it for years, election after election until they realized its impact on every household in Ghana. Free SHS would be truly functioning as intended if its initiator, the NPP was in office.

32. My brothers and sisters our dear motherland is gaining notoriety for drugs being arrested abroad, having passed through our borders unnoticed. Our country’s name is being dragged through the ports of Europe, and the government has answered with meetings, not results. We have called for a bipartisan committee of Parliament, sitting in public, with the power to summon witnesses and demand the shipping records. Arresting couriers is not enough. Ghanaians want to know who is financing these shipments and how they keep getting through. As many religious groups, Civil Society Organizations and concerned Ghanaians have expressed, this is ruining the international image of our country. It is important to note, under the NPP’s tenure, virtually all the drugs arrests were made here in Ghana. Today, the biggest hauls are being found abroad, after slipping through our ports unnoticed. This means that systems and people under this government have been compromised. Our country’s good name is at stake, and we must act now.

33. In Ghana today, flagrant abuse of rights and liberties of citizens has sadly become the order of the day under this government. The new era we are in, is the weaponisation of state power and the running of a different justice system for the NDC and another system for all other Ghanaians. A nation cannot have two systems of justice: one of haste for the government’s opponents and one of leisure for its friends. Yet that is what Ghanaians see today.

34. Cases against persons linked to the governing party have been discontinued, some after the courts had already ordered the accused to open their defence. Meanwhile, cases involving opposition figures are picked out for hearing during the legal vacation while other cases wait. What is worse is the arrest, jailing and refusal of bail for critics of Government just because the NDC doesn’t like what they say.

35. Only last week, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, was accosted at the Accra High Court, with no warrant produced, while he was there defending a vulnerable woman, a detained nurse from Techiman. When a warrant was later obtained, he did the honourable thing and walked into EOCO voluntarily. Yet a sitting MP who surrendered himself, and who poses no flight risk, was detained overnight. No one is above the law. But what purpose does detaining a man who came of his own free will serve, other than to humiliate and intimidate? That is not justice. It is the weaponisation of state power I spoke of.

36. As I have said already, I disavow politics of insults, and I remind all in the political space of the need to be decorous. But I also remind the NDC government that any infringement on the right to free speech pushes our democracy backwards.

37. And When the NPP returns to government, which Insha Allah we will, there will be one standard of justice for all. One law applied equally to every citizen, whatever their party.

38. On Galamsey, let me say that Galamsey has troubled almost every government in the Fourth Republic. It is a complex national challenge that demands seriousness, not slogans. Yet this NDC government made many promises to Ghanaians. It promised to resolve it in months and restore our polluted water bodies to their natural state. Ghanaians are reminded every day of how the NDC and its senior officials, many of whom are Cabinet Ministers and top CEOs today, lambasted the NPP government and told Ghanaians that they possessed the magic to end galamsey instantly if voted into office. Today, under their watch, in nearly two years, galamsey has grown embarrassingly worse.

39. The promises to cocoa farmers to increase the cocoa price to GHC 6500 has turned out to be a scam. The promise of automatic posting of teachers and nurses and the improvement in their conditions of service has turned out to be another scam. The promise to cancel teacher licensure examinations has proven to be another scam just as the promise to pay all Menzgold customers and customers of all financial institutions which collapsed. Even their much touted Nkoko nkitikiti program has failed.  

40. This is the record of the NDC two years on. As our elders say “Agoro no be so a na afri anopa”. Ghana deserves better. I assure you that when the NPP assumes the reigns of office in 2029, by the grace of God, we shall bring to bear the lessons of our successes and challenges to do a way better job in these and other areas than this NDC government is doing.

41. To the incoming executives, the task ahead is clear. To build a strong party machinery on which the policies we are building and the campaign we will set up can ride to victory in 2029. This requires us to keep our ranks closed, keep our focus on holding the NDC to account, put our best energies into selling our policies and give every Ghanaian a reason to believe in the NPP. If we do these things with discipline and unity, in 2029 we will have the task of moving this nation from a place of vengeance and attacks by the few unto a path of progress for the many.

42. Fellow Patriots, we came to Kumasi as a party that has listened and learnt. Let us leave Kumasi as a party that is united and ready.

43. Vote in peace. Accept the results with grace. And from tomorrow, let every one of us return to our constituencies with one message: the NPP is back at work for Ghana.

44. God bless the New Patriotic Party. God bless our homeland Ghana.

45. Kukrudu!

Accra-based Citi News reported that the incident occurred as some people in the crowded conference grounds attempted to force their way through, triggering a rush that left several people injured.

One of the victims is reported to have sustained a fracture, while others suffered minor injuries and are receiving treatment at temporary medical centres established at the venue.

Paramedics from the Ghana National Ambulance Service reportedly faced difficulties transporting the injured through the large crowd gathered for the conference.

The incident prompted the police to step up crowd control measures to manage the situation and prevent further injuries.

Speaking to JoyNews at the party’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Mr Crabbe said the arrangement was the result of discussions with Mr Boadu as well as consultations with his team and supporters.

He said the decision was taken after considering how their respective programmes and experience in party management could be brought together.

“That’s all it is. Yeah, exactly that. Nothing more,” he said when asked whether there were external considerations or influences behind the alliance.

Mr Crabbe explained that although the decision was reached on the morning of the congress, discussions had started earlier and he had to consult his supporters before formalising the arrangement.

“It happened this morning, but it didn’t start this morning. I had to also sit down with my team and supporters because you want to bring people along. It’s important that you explain to them what you are thinking, what is happening,” he said.

He said the consultations were followed by discussions on how to properly communicate the arrangement after an earlier impression emerged that he had simply withdrawn from the chairmanship contest.

Mr Crabbe said that was not the case, stressing that he was “stepping up into an alliance.”

“We also sat down and come up, design a joint statement that actually corrected an earlier impression that I had just stepped down or whatever. No. I was stepping up into an alliance,” he said.

The clarification follows a post by Mr Boadu on X, formerly Twitter, which indicated that Mr Crabbe had stepped down from the race and endorsed him.

Mr Crabbe’s subsequent signed statement described the arrangement as an alliance aimed at promoting unity of purpose within the NPP.

Under the arrangement, he urged his supporters to vote for Mr Boadu, while pledging to work alongside him to implement their programmes.

The NPP is holding its National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, where delegates are voting to elect nine national executive officers.

A total of 7,163 delegates are expected to participate in the elections across 31 polling stations.

Speaking to JoyNews on the sidelines of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Mr Awuku likened the NDC’s conduct to a party rushing towards electoral defeat.

“When a party is losing an election, the very signs that you see are walking into it like Usain Bolt. The NDC is running into opposition like Usain Bolt,” he said.

He pointed to the demolition of structures at Labadi as one development that could deepen discontent among the governing party’s grassroots supporters.

“Go to the streets of Labadi, they’ve cleared everything there,” he said.

Referring to videos published by JoyNews, Mr Awuku claimed that some of the affected people were supporters of President John Dramani Mahama who depended on their businesses for their livelihoods.

“Multimedia Joy FM, I’ve seen some of your videos. Some of the people who were cleared were wearing Mahama’s apron. And some of them were openly smoking and telling you you’ve taken the food off their table,” he stated.

He argued that the demolitions could have political consequences because the affected area falls within a constituency represented by an NDC MP.

“The Member of Parliament for the area is not our MP. She’s an NDC MP. But she can see her seat slipping away,” he said.

“And that’s why I told you the NDC is running like Usain Bolt into opposition.”

Mr Awuku said he was concerned that supporters who had worked to secure the NDC’s return to power were now bearing the impact of government decisions.

“I am sad for the foot soldiers of the party. They worked tirelessly for their party to form government.”

He further alleged that some grassroots supporters felt betrayed and were threatening not to vote for the party again.

“The government has turned its back against them, and that is why many of them are swearing in the open that they won’t vote for their party again,” he said.

Beyond the demolitions, Mr Awuku criticised what he described as arbitrary arrests and the persecution of opposition activists. He warned that such practices could create a precedent that might eventually affect the NDC and its younger supporters.

“And as I am advising them, and coupled with the arbitrary arrest, the persecution of opposition activists, their party and government has set up a very dangerous precedent that someday will chew up the future and the younger generation of the NDC,” he said.

He also suggested that the government was acting as though it had already conceded that it would eventually lose power.

“The danger of what we are facing is that this government thinks that they’re on their way out. So they’ve checked out already.”

Mr Awuku also weighed in on the arrest of lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which has sparked public debate.

He said the lawyer had been brought before a specialised court and questioned why the court was able to sit over the weekend, contrasting the situation with the earlier Salomey matter.

“As we speak, they have presented him to a court, to the specialised court,” he said.

“I’m surprised. If you remember the case of the Salome matter, they said that the judge wasn’t available,” he said.

“Today this government has been able to get a weekend court to sit on.”

The Akuapem North MP cautioned that the handling of political opponents could fuel calls for retaliation if the NPP returns to power.

He said supporters could then pressure a future NPP administration to treat the NDC in a similar manner, an outcome he said should be avoided.

“When NPP forms government again, and then you have supporters of the party putting pressure on the President and asking him to visit the same venom. And that is what we don’t want.”

Mr Awuku welcomed what he described as increasing criticism of the government from the media, civil society organisations and religious leaders, saying such voices were beginning to speak out.

“And I am happy that decent voices, media houses, civil society organisations, the clergy, and the religious leaders are beginning to speak out,” he said.

Speaking to delegates at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, he said the NDC won power on what he described as lofty promises, but is yet to deliver many of them to voters.

Among the promises he said had not yet produced the results Ghanaians expected was the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

“The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search for jobs a flagship 24 hour economy with one job, three shifts and three people… nearly two years have passed and the jobs have not come or even showing any signs of coming.

“The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise… is still waiting for his or her shift. Sadly the promised 24 hour economy jobs has now turned into 24 hour demolition of buildings for so called 24 hour markets even the NDC cannot explain,” he said.

Dr Bawumia said this should push the NPP to stay focused on rebuilding and strengthening itself as it prepares for the next general election. He urged party members to unite around that task.

Addressing delegates at the party’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, he called for calm and unity as members prepare to elect new national officers.

“Let us vote in peace and accept the results in good faith,” he told delegates.

Delegates earlier approved all 14 constitutional amendment motions presented by the Constitution Amendment Committee. The amendments were taken as the first item on the agenda, before voting for the new national executives began.

This came despite a request by Acting National Chairman Joseph Danquah Smith to defer them to the next conference. He had said there was too little time, and that delegates might not have enough opportunity to study the proposals properly while also taking part in the executive elections.

He urged all aspirants contesting the various positions to accept the outcome of the elections in good faith and remain committed to the party’s collective interest.

“Please accept the results in good faith,” he said in his address at the NPP’s National Delegates Congress in Kumasi on Saturday.

The congress is expected to produce a new crop of national executives to lead the party’s reorganisation and preparations towards the 2028 general elections.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his address, called on the NPP and the Minority in Parliament to remain bold in holding the government of President John Dramani Mahama accountable for its decisions.

He urged party members and the Minority to discharge their oversight responsibilities without fear of arrest or intimidation.

“Let’s hold the government accountable without fear of arrest and intimidation,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also expressed confidence in Dr Bawumia’s leadership, describing the NPP flagbearer as “a doer and problem solver”.

He called on party members to unite, support the reorganisation process and rally behind Dr Bawumia as the party prepares for the 2028 elections.

“The Lord is with us; come 2028, we shall prevail,” he said.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, in a video message played at the congress, said Ghanaians were yearning for the NPP to return to government, adding that the party was needed to steer the country towards prosperity and transformation.

“Ghana needs NPP to lead to prosperity and transformation,” he said.

Mr Kufuor urged delegates to carefully consider the qualities of the candidates seeking national executive positions, stressing the need to elect leaders capable of restoring public confidence in the party.

“So, even as we meet to pick our new crop of leaders, I want to appeal to all of you: let us, for now, select the national executive committee of the party on the careful examination to find out the sort of leadership that will enable us to regain the confidence of the people of Ghana. Let us show true respect for the idea that true sovereignty is with the people.”

He emphasised the importance of respecting the will of the people as the party selects leaders to guide its affairs and strengthen its position ahead of the next general elections.

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, saying he believed the NPP would return to power in 2028 under the leadership of Dr Bawumia.

“With God’s guidance, we will emerge victorious as we did in 2000 and 2016 and form the government in 2028 with Dr Bawumia,” he said.

The NPP is holding its National Delegates Congress and national officers’ elections in Kumasi, where delegates are voting to elect the party’s next national executives.

The congress also provides a platform for the consideration of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at guiding the party’s internal administration and organisational structure.

The elections form part of the NPP’s broader reorganisation efforts as it seeks to consolidate its structures, strengthen unity among members and prepare for the 2028 general elections.

He said the party needed leaders capable of restoring the confidence of Ghanaians and guiding the NPP towards greater unity and a return to its democratic traditions.

In a recorded video played at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference, former President Kufuor appealed to delegates to carefully examine the records and leadership capabilities of the various candidates before making their choices.

“Let us, from now, select the National Executive Committee of the party on the basis not on great talk, but on careful examination, to find out the sort of leadership that would enable us regain the confidence of the people of Ghana.”

Mr Kufuor stressed the need for unity within the party, saying the NPP must operate democratically and respect diverse views and ideas.

“We need all the unity we can get and muster within the party.”

He said the party’s commitment to democratic principles should include respect for the views of its members and recognition that sovereignty ultimately rests with the people.

The former President also said Ghana needed a political party capable of leading the country towards prosperity and transformation.

His comments come as the NPP holds its National Delegates Conference to elect a new set of national executives, including the national chairman and general secretary, who will lead the party into its next phase.

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The PNC said such an arrangement could weaken the NPP’s internal democracy and limit opportunities for new leadership to emerge.

Delivering a solidarity message at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, the PNC said it was raising the concern as a friend of the party and not as an attempt to interfere in its internal affairs.

“Reports have reached us that this conference may consider amending the party’s constitution so that the flagbearer becomes the leader of the party even when the party is in opposition.”

The PNC urged NPP delegates to carefully consider the proposal, arguing that the roles of a presidential candidate and a party leader are fundamentally different.

“A flagbearer carries the party’s banner in election, a party leader must build structures, reconcile factions, and hold the party accountable between elections.”

It warned that concentrating both responsibilities in one person could have implications for the party’s internal structures.

“Concentrating both roles in one person risks weakening internal democracy and the space for new leadership to emerge.”

The PNC stressed that its position was being offered in the spirit of political fraternity.

“We say this in the spirit of fraternity, not in interference.”

The proposed amendment is among the constitutional changes being considered by NPP delegates at the conference. The party’s Constitutional Amendment Committee has confirmed that delegates will have the final say on the proposals, including the proposal concerning who should be recognised as the party’s leader.

Beyond the constitutional issue, the PNC also called for greater responsibility in Ghana’s political discourse, urging political parties to discourage insults, provocative commentary and language it said could divide the country.

“Words can divide, harm. Words can divide a nation. Political parties must lead in ending this.”

The party called on the NPP, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political parties to take steps to address what it described as growing moral decadence in political discourse.

It also urged the NPP to elect competent and effective leaders capable of managing the party’s affairs and contributing to the consolidation of Ghana’s democracy.

“Our democracy does not need people who merely hold occupy positions, but leaders who are efficient and can help consolidate it.”

The PNC further used its solidarity message to position itself as an alternative to the NPP and NDC, saying it believed Ghanaians were seeking a different political direction.

The party said it was confident that Ghanaians would support the PNC in the 2028 general election.

“We are confident that in the 2028 Ghanaians are going to place their trust in the PNC.”

The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is being held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, with delegates first considering proposed constitutional amendments before proceeding to elect national officers. A total of 7,163 delegates are expected to participate in the conference and elections

Addressing the party’s National Delegates Conference on Saturday, October 3, he said the new leadership would have the responsibility of working with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and parliamentary candidates to pursue victory in the next election.

“This gathering represents an important step in our party’s reorganisation,” he said.

He said the conference provided an opportunity for the NPP to strengthen its structures and prepare for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.

“We, like new national officers, will partner with our presidential candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and our parliamentary candidates to prepare ourselves for the great goal of achieving victory in the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections,” he stated.

The former President also called on delegates to put aside individual interests and elect leaders who could bring the party together at all levels.

“I am confident that guided by the theme, ‘One Party, One Purpose, United for Victory’, the delegates will rise above the sectional interests and elect leadership capable of uniting our ranks and rebuilding our fortunes at every level, from the polling station to the presidency,” he said.

According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the task ahead would require commitment and sacrifice from members of the party.

“It will be an arduous task which will demand of us all our energy, time, determination, and loyalty,” he noted.

He, however, expressed confidence that the NPP could overcome the challenges ahead and return to government under Dr Bawumia’s leadership.

“I believe, however, that with God’s guidance we will emerge victorious as we did in 2000 and 2016 and form a government under the leadership of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia that will promote the rule of law and the welfare of the good people of Ghana in line with our motto of development in freedom,” he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo wished delegates a successful conference and reaffirmed his commitment to the party and the country.

“I convey my best wishes for a successful conference. I remain as always a committed servant of this great party and our beloved nation, Ghana,” he stated.

The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is being held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, where delegates are considering proposed constitutional amendments before the election of national officers.

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The change was one of 14 amendments passed at the party’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3. All 14 motions put forward by the Constitution Amendment Committee went through.

The vote came even though Acting National Chairman Joseph Danquah Smith had earlier proposed putting the amendments off to the next conference. He had said delegates would not have enough time to consider them properly while also taking part in the national executive elections.

The leadership change is the most significant of the amendments. At its January 31, 2026 conference, the NPP introduced a clause stating that the National Chairman would be the party leader at all material times.

The new amendment reverses that and names the flagbearer as the leader as the party is preparing for the 2028 general election with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer.

Another amendment changes how Vice Chairpersons are elected. Until now, every candidate has contested for National First Vice Chairman, with the first, second and third Vice Chairpersons decided by the order of votes. Under the new system, candidates will declare for, and contest, a specific Vice Chairperson position.

Delegates also approved the appointment of three additional Vice Chairpersons who will not be elected. Other amendments create Deputy Communications Officer positions and raise the IT Officer to an executive position.

The Chairman of the NPP Constitution Amendment Committee, Frank Davies, said the amendments were limited and had become necessary because of “acts of omission and commission” linked to the last amendment, in 2025.

He said it was “imperative that these amendments are carried through” because of what they mean for the party’s organisational structure.

The review was the first part of the conference, followed by the election of new national officers. A total of 7,163 delegates from all 16 regions took part, with voting at 31 polling stations for nine national executive positions. The Electoral Commission supervised the elections and verified delegates.

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The amendments were considered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the first part of the party’s congress agenda, ahead of the election of new national officers.

Mr Smith had earlier proposed that consideration of the amendments be postponed to the party’s next conference, citing time constraints and concerns that delegates would not have enough time to properly consider the proposals while also participating in the national executive elections.

The party, however, proceeded with the constitutional review, with all 14 motions presented by the Constitution Amendment Committee subsequently approved by delegates.

One of the significant proposals approved by delegates changes the designation of the party’s leader.

At the NPP’s January 31, 2026 conference, the party introduced a clause stating that the National Chairman would be the leader of the party at all material times.

The approved amendment reverses that position and designates the party’s flagbearer as the leader.

Another amendment changes the way Vice Chairpersons are elected.

Under the current arrangement, all candidates contest the position of National First Vice Chairman, with the first, second and third Vice Chairpersons determined according to the order of votes received.

Under the new system, candidates will declare and contest specific Vice Chairperson positions.

Delegates also approved a proposal for the appointment of three additional Vice Chairpersons who will not be elected.

Other amendments include the creation of Deputy Communications Officer positions and the elevation of the IT Officer to an executive position.

Chairman of the NPP Constitution Amendment Committee, Frank Davies, said the changes were necessary to address gaps in the party’s organisational structure ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“These limited constitutional amendments were necessitated by some acts of omission and commission, which heralded the last amendment we had in 2025, so this is to cure the grey areas that we overlooked,” he said.

Mr Davies said approving the amendments was important because of their implications for the party’s organisational structure.

“It is imperative that these amendments are carried through because of the ramifications they have for our party’s organisational structure,” he said.

The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is being held in two main stages: consideration of constitutional amendments and the election of new national officers.

A total of 7,163 delegates from all 16 regions are participating in the conference, with voting taking place across 31 polling stations for nine national executive positions.

The Electoral Commission is supervising the elections and verifying delegates.

Following the approval of the constitutional amendments, delegates have proceeded to vote in the national executive elections, with results expected later today.

The NDC delegation, led by Deputy National Organiser Dzifa Tsegah, arrived at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the morning to deliver a solidarity message to the NPP but departed after waiting several hours for proceedings to begin.

The NPP conference, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, has brought together 7,163 delegates from across the country to elect national officers and consider proposed amendments to the party’s constitution.

Speaking to the media before her departure, Ms Tsegah said the NDC delegation arrived at about 9:30 a.m. but was still waiting close to 2 p.m. for the programme to commence.

She said the delay raised questions about the organisation of the conference and urged the NPP to address its internal challenges as it seeks to strengthen its role as the opposition party.

“We were here half past 9 a.m., it’s almost 2 p.m. and we have been waiting and it doesn’t look like they are ready,” she said.

Ms Tsegah explained that the NDC delegation had come to extend solidarity to the NPP and wished the party well in its internal elections.

She said Ghana’s democracy required a strong opposition capable of holding the government to account.

“I really hope this election will pull the best out of them because we need a strong opposition to make sure democracy is alive and on its toes,” she said.

The NDC Deputy National Organiser said the delegation had other engagements to attend and therefore could not continue waiting for the conference to begin.

The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is being held to elect national officers, with 45 candidates contesting nine key positions.

The event was initially scheduled to commence at 9 a.m., but reports indicated that the start was delayed by the late arrival of delegates at the venue.

Mr Boadu announced the development in a social media post ahead of the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, saying Mr Crabbe had decided to abandon his bid and support his candidature.

“Sammy Crabbe, an aspiring National Chairman of the NPP, has stepped down from the race and thrown his support behind John Boadu. Let’s win together!” Mr Boadu wrote.

Mr Crabbe was among four aspirants cleared to contest the chairmanship position, alongside Mr Boadu, former National Chairman Paul Afoko and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.

His withdrawal removes him from the contest as delegates vote to elect the party’s next national chairman at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

During the party’s balloting exercise in September, Mr Boadu secured the first position on the ballot paper, while Mr Crabbe picked the second slot.

The NPP is electing its national officers as part of its reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general election, with more than 7,000 delegates expected to take part in the conference.

Dr Apraku, who previously served as Mr Akufo-Addo’s campaign manager, said their relationship changed after he decided to enter the flagbearership race following an unsuccessful attempt to secure victory in an earlier contest.

Speaking to Accra-based Citi News at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, Dr Apraku said the two had since maintained their distance but were not enemies.

“I was his campaign manager, and we worked like crazy, and somehow, we did not win the first race and a lot of things happened in the interim as a result of that, so I joined the race, and this is where he and I have not been able to see well for each other. I cannot say we are friends, but we are not enemies either. He is busy and I am busy.”

Dr Apraku was among 17 aspirants who contested the NPP’s Special National Delegates Congress in December 2007 to select the party’s presidential candidate for the 2008 general election.

The contest featured several prominent party figures, including Mr Akufo-Addo, Alan Kyerematen, former Vice-President Aliu Mahama and Yaw Osafo-Maafo.

At the December 22, 2007 election, Mr Akufo-Addo secured 1,096 votes, representing 48 per cent of valid votes cast, to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

Mr Kyerematen finished second with 738 votes, while Dr Apraku polled 19 votes, representing 0.8 per cent of the valid votes.

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He said the incoming leadership must coordinate its efforts with the Minority in Parliament and the party’s flagbearer to mount a more concerted challenge to the government’s performance.

The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP was speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the parliamentary caucus needed the support of the party’s national leadership to deliver on its mandate.

“We need leaders that will complement our efforts. We are determined in Parliament to prosecute government, and therefore we can’t do it all alone,” he said.

He called for closer collaboration between the national executives, the Minority and the flagbearer, arguing that a united front would strengthen the party’s political and parliamentary efforts.

“We need the national leaders to come work with us. Then we can have a full complement and then join forces with our flagbearer,” he said.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the party needed a new crop of executives with a combative approach to political engagement and the determination to confront national issues.

“We are expecting a crop of leaders who would have a war-like thinking,” he said.

He was quick to clarify, however, that his call for a “war-like” mindset was not an appeal for violence or the use of weapons.

“Don’t misquote me. I am not saying we are going to take arms,” he stressed.

Rather, he said, the party’s approach should involve intensifying political engagement, challenging the government on national issues and strengthening parliamentary oversight of its commitments to the public.

“We are determined to do battle, determined to tackle national issues, determined to take the fight to the government, and also to properly execute oversight in terms of the deliverables that the government is supposed to deliver to the people,” he said.

The Minority Chief Whip also expressed confidence in the conduct of the NPP’s national elections, describing the process so far as orderly.

More than 7,000 delegates are participating in the conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, where the party is electing its national officers.

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Acting National Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey announced the postponement at the National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3.

He said the amendments would be deferred to a later conference to give delegates adequate time to consider the proposals.

The party says fewer than 20 amendments are involved. and they include proposals left unfinished from the January 2026 constitutional amendment conference in Accra, as well as new ones that need further review before delegates can approve them.

One of the proposals concerns who is recognised as the leader of the party. At the January 31 conference, the NPP introduced a clause that designates the National Chairman as the party leader in all respects.

The party will take up the outstanding amendments at its next conference, while this one concentrates on electing the new national executives.

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Mr Aboagye said the outcome of the polls would be determined by party delegates casting their ballots at the National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3.

“It is easy for anybody to predict most of the elections. We don’t need Musa Danquah. Musa Danquah is basically mentioning the names that all the NPP people have been mentioning on social media,” he said.

He argued that the analyst’s projections did not appear to be grounded in direct engagements with the delegates who will decide the contests.

“The delegates who are voting are here. Musa Danquah hasn’t spoken to anybody. He has been engaging in the social media conversation, and then he will engage with what all of us are saying, and then he will make some extrapolations and put something out. That’s all. Nothing extraordinary,” Mr Aboagye said.

Despite his criticism, the communications aspirant said the predictions would not distract him from the contest, stressing that the party needed officers capable of delivering on their responsibilities.

“He knows my position on him. We are looking for leaders that can execute the job. And ultimately the party people will decide who should be the leader,” he said.

Mr Aboagye also called for unity after the elections, saying all contestants should support whoever emerges victorious.

“Whoever they decide, we’ll all rally around and work for the party,” he added.

The NPP is holding its National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, where delegates are expected to elect officers to nine national positions.

A total of 7,163 delegates are expected to participate in the exercise, which is being supervised by the Electoral Commission as the party reorganises ahead of the 2028 general election.

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However, the former Manhyia south MP has expressed confidence that Dr Bawumia will lead the NPP to victory in the 2028 presidential election.

Speaking to JoyNews on the sidelines of the NPP Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, was asked whether people say he had an interest in the leadership contest taking place at the conference.

He said the decision ultimately belonged to the party’s delegates.

“The wisdom of the mass, the wisdom of the masses will prevail,” he said.

Dr Opoku Prempeh was then asked about the prospects of the NPP in what is expected to be a closely contested 2028 election.

The question noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would not be going into the election with President John Dramani Mahama as its candidate, while the NPP would be relying on Dr Bawumia, who has previously contested a presidential election.

When asked whether he expected 2028 to be a difficult contest for the NPP, Dr Opoku Prempeh said Ghana’s elections had historically been competitive and that the final decision would rest with voters.

“All Ghana’s elections have been tough and have been keenly contested,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, the wisdom of the masses will speak.”

He said voters would ultimately assess the candidates and decide who they believed could provide the country with the direction and hope they wanted from 2029.

“The voters will decide who they think would give Ghana hope from 2029 going, and they will elect that person,” he said.

“And I believe sincerely, it’s going to be Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP,” he added.

His comments came as the NPP gathered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi for its national delegates conference and elections.

More than 7,000 delegates are taking part in the exercise, which is being supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC). The election is the final stage of the party’s nationwide reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general election.

The conference is also considering proposed amendments to the party’s constitution before delegates elect national officers who will oversee the party’s organisation in the period leading to the next general election.

Over 7,000 delegates are expected to vote for National Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, General Secretary, National Treasurer and other national officers.

Forty-six candidates are on the final ballot, and the Electoral Commission (EC) is supervising the process, with voting spread across 31 centres in the stadium.

Adom TV and Adom FM are on the grounds to bring you a live coverage of the event.

Watch the livestream below:

Addressing a women’s group ahead of the election, Mrs. Koomson said the party’s current status, in opposition, should motivate members to work towards regaining power.

“Look at how miserable we look in opposition. I have tasted both power and opposition, and I do not recommend opposition,” she said.

She questioned whether the party was comfortable with its current situation and urged the women to support her in the upcoming election.

“Is this what we want? I beg you, glorify me on October 3, and I will also glorify you,” she said.

Mrs Koomson is seeking to become the NPP’s next Women’s Organiser, with the election scheduled for October 3.

Her appeal centred on the party’s return to power, as she urged the women to give her their mandate, promising to reciprocate their support.

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Addressing a women’s group, the former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East questioned why women who carry pepper spray in Ghana are sometimes perceived as preparing for confrontations, arguing that the item could help protect them against attacks.

“In abroad, pepper spray is given out for free, and people carry it everywhere in their bags. So why is it that in Ghana, when a woman is given pepper spray, people say she is going to fight?” she asked.

Madam Koomson cited an incident at Ablekuma North, saying pepper spray had helped save her life.

“But for pepper spray, I would have been dead by now, given the incident at Ablekuma North. The pepper spray was what saved me,” she said.

She pledged to make the item accessible to women if she wins the NPP Women’s Organiser election, arguing that women need practical means of protecting themselves.

“So I’ll make sure every woman has pepper spray when I win,” she said.

Madam Koomson also referred to the case of a woman who reportedly took an Uber and could have been harmed, using it to underscore what she described as the importance of personal safety measures.

“A lady picked an Uber, but for pepper spray, she would have been harmed. So it is important,” she said.

Beyond distributing pepper spray, she promised to teach women to be confident and courageous while maintaining respect for others.

“I will give it to you and teach you bravery,” she said.

She added that courage should not be confused with disrespect, stressing that women could stand up for themselves without being rude.

“I am brave but respectful, because being brave doesn’t mean you should be disrespectful,” Madam Koomson said.

Her pledge forms part of her appeal to women as she seeks to become the NPP’s next Women’s Organiser.

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Speaking at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 3, Mr Buttey said the conference would begin once enough delegates were in the venue.

“We are waiting for the delegates. They are not here. So, if 1/3 of them comes then we start,” he said.

Asked what was holding them up, he said he could not give a specific reason.

“I don’t know. They are there at their various places,” he said.

He was also asked about claims that some candidates were still meeting delegates on the day of the election, and that this may be adding to the delay.

Mr Buttey brushed the suggestion aside saying “It has always been so. This is not new.”

A total of 7,163 delegates are expected to take part in the conference, which will first consider proposed constitutional amendments before moving on to the election of the party’s national officers.

Speaking ahead of the party’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 3, the party’s Director of Elections, Evans Nimako, said organisers had followed all the necessary procedures and given aspirants access to the delegate registers.

“We’ve complied with all the rules and standards to make this election transparent,” he said.

According to him, every aspirant received both the provisional and the final delegate lists, and the accreditation of delegates had been completed before the conference.

“All aspirants were given provisional and final register and we’ve accredited all delegates,” he added.

The Electoral Commission (EC) will oversee the elections, with supervision from the party’s National Officers Elections Committee.

The party had earlier dealt with concerns raised by some aspirants over the delegate register. During the validation process, the committee checked the disputed entries against the documents submitted by regions and institutions.

Thousands of accredited delegates are expected to vote at the stadium today.

The election covers nine national executive positions, with 46 candidates on the final ballot following the withdrawal of National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha from the National Organiser race.

Here is the full list of candidates:

1. National Chairperson

1. John Boadu
2. Sammy Crabbe
3. Paul Afoko
4. Boakye Agyarko

2. Vice-Chairpersons

The first three successful candidates will become First, Second and Third Vice-Chairpersons.

1. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid
2. Kojo Fosu Boadu
3. George Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah
4. Richard Ahiagbah
5. Alhaji Masawudu Osman
6. Richard Oti Aboagye
7. Abena Pokua Boaitey Amoah
8. Yaa Amponsah Frimpong
9. Henry Nana Boakye
10. Horma Akesie Miezah
11. Samuel Pyne
12. Nana Akomea
13. Bright Esselfie Kumi

3. General Secretary

1. Sylvester Tetteh
2. Eugene Boakye Antwi
3. Justin Frimpong Kodua
4. Dr Charles Dwamena

4. National Treasurer

1. Hajia Ruka Ahmed
2. Alfred Kojo Thompson
3. Tahiru Issahaku Moomin
4. Collins Nuntwiri Nuamah

5. National Organiser

1. Kwame Prempeh
2. Daniel Agyenim Boateng
3. Archibald Gamor Korletey
4. Nana Kwadjo Agyei Yeboah
5. Ali Maiga Halidu
6. Emmanuel Korsi Bodja
7. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover

6. National Youth Organiser

1. Alfred Kumi Ababio
2. Vera Oye Bram-Larbi
3. Michael Osei Boateng
4. Abanga Fuseini Yakubu
5. Clement Opoku Gyamfi
6. Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah

7. National Women’s Organiser

1. Hajia Safia Mohammed
2. Mavis Hawa Koomson

8. National Nasara Organiser

1. Mohammed Ali Suraj
2. Issaka Muazo Kunata
3. Awal Mohammed
4. Alhaji Salim Bamba
5. Razak Tahiru Maiga

9. National Communications Director

1. Dennis Miracles Aboagye

Dennis Miracles Aboagye is the sole candidate for National Communications Director following the withdrawal of Evans Kodom.

The Electoral Commission is supervising the elections, with voting taking place across 31 centres established within the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Hundreds of police officers have been deployed in and around the stadium ahead of the arrival of delegates.

The Chairperson of the party’s Organisation Committee, Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, had earlier said between 3,000 and 4,000 police personnel would be deployed to Kumasi for the conference.

He said they would manage traffic, secure the hotels and hostels housing delegates and guests, and provide security around and inside the stadium. Mr Karbo commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their cooperation in the preparations.

About 7,100 delegates are expected to vote in the elections, which will be supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC says all electoral materials, including ballot papers, are ready, and accredited agents of the candidates will observe the process.

To keep voting from running late into the night, the party has set up 31 voting centres inside the stadium. The conference will open with constitutional and other party business before voting begins.

Forty-six candidates remain on the final ballot after National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha withdrew from the National Organiser race.

The positions up for election are National Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, General Secretary, National Treasurer, National Organiser, National Youth Organiser, National Women’s Organiser and National Nasara Organiser. Dennis Miracles Aboagye is the only candidate for National Communications Director.

The elections follow the completion of polling station, electoral area, constituency and regional polls, and will determine the party’s national leadership as it prepares for the 2028 general election.

About 7,100 delegates from across the country are expected to participate in the elections, which will produce the party’s national leadership for the next phase of its political organisation.

The Electoral Commission (EC) will supervise the elections, with the NPP’s National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) overseeing the party’s internal electoral arrangements.

The EC says all preparations have been completed, with ballot papers ready and electoral materials deployed to the Ashanti Region.

The election follows the completion of polling station, electoral area, constituency and regional-level elections as part of the NPP’s nationwide reorganisation.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 presidential election after winning the party’s presidential primary in January 2026. The new national executives will therefore be expected to work with the party’s structures as it prepares for the next general election.

46 candidates on final ballot

The NPP initially had 47 aspirants who successfully filed nominations and proceeded to vetting.

However, National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha later withdrew from the National Organiser contest, reducing the number of candidates remaining on the ballot to 46.

The National Communications Director position is uncontested, with Dennis Miracles Aboagye as the sole candidate. Evans Kodom withdrew during the filing process, while Perpetual Ekua Lomokie Akwada did not complete her nomination for National Women’s Organiser.

The candidates and their ballot positions are as follows:

National Chairperson

Four candidates are contesting the National Chairperson position:

John Boadu
Sammy Crabbe
Paul Afoko
Boakye Agyarko

Mr Boadu, a former General Secretary, is first on the ballot, followed by Mr Crabbe, former National Chairman Paul Afoko and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.

Vice-Chairpersons

Thirteen candidates are contesting the Vice-Chairperson positions. The first three successful candidates will be designated First, Second and Third Vice-Chairpersons under the existing arrangement.

They are:

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid
Kojo Fosu Boadu
George Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah
Richard Ahiagbah
Alhaji Masawudu Osman
Richard Oti Aboagye
Abena Pokua Boaitey Amoah
Yaa Amponsah Frimpong
Henry Nana Boakye
Horma Akesie Miezah
Samuel Pyne
Nana Akomea
Bright Esselfie Kumi

The Vice-Chairperson race is the largest contest on the ballot.

General Secretary

Four candidates are contesting the General Secretary position:

Sylvester Tetteh
Eugene Boakye Antwi
Justin Frimpong Kodua
Dr Charles Dwamena

Mr Kodua is the incumbent General Secretary seeking another term.

National Treasurer

The four candidates are:

Hajia Ruka Ahmed
Alfred Kojo Thompson
Tahiru Issahaku Moomin
Collins Nuntwiri Nuamah
National Organiser

Following Salam Mustapha’s withdrawal, seven candidates remain in the National Organiser race:

Kwame Prempeh
Daniel Agyenim Boateng
Archibald Gamor Korletey
Nana Kwadjo Agyei Yeboah
Ali Maiga Halidu
Emmanuel Korsi Bodja
Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover

Mr Glover is contesting from the seventh position on the ballot.

National Youth Organiser

Six candidates are contesting the position:

Alfred Kumi Ababio
Vera Oye Bram-Larbi
Michael Osei Boateng
Abanga Fuseini Yakubu
Clement Opoku Gyamfi
Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah

National Women’s Organiser

The race is a two-way contest between:

Hajia Safia Mohammed
Mavis Hawa Koomson

Ms Akwada, who had initially purchased nomination forms, did not complete the filing process.

National Nasara Organiser

Five candidates are contesting the position:

Mohammed Ali Suraj
Issaka Muazo Kunata
Awal Mohammed
Alhaji Salim Bamba
Razak Tahiru Maiga
National Communications Director

Dennis Miracles Aboagye is the sole candidate for National Communications Director following the withdrawal of Evans Kodom before the close of nominations.

31 voting centres established

The NPP has established 31 voting centres within the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to speed up the voting process and reduce the possibility of voting continuing into the night. NPP Director of Elections Evans Nimako said 21 centres would handle the elections for National Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, General Secretary, National Organiser and National Treasurer.

The remaining 10 centres will handle the party’s wing elections — five for the Youth Organiser election, three for the Women’s Organiser election and two for the Nasara Organiser election.

No more than 400 delegates will be assigned to each voting centre.

All 31 centres will be located within the stadium and will be manned by EC officials. Accredited agents of the various candidates will also be stationed at the centres to observe the process.

Mr Nimako said the party had already conducted a simulation exercise at the stadium involving the conference committee, the Police Service, the EC and other stakeholders to test the arrangements and identify potential challenges.

Voting follows constitutional business

The conference will begin with party business before the electoral process. Delegates are expected to consider proposed amendments to portions of the NPP’s constitution before voting begins.

Among the proposed amendments is a review of the provision concerning who should be regarded as the leader of the party. Another proposal concerns the election of Vice-Chairpersons, while the party is also considering the appointment of additional Vice-Chairpersons who would not be elected.

Other proposed changes include the appointment of Deputy Communications Officers and making the IT Officer an executive position.

The National Officers Elections Committee has said voting is expected to begin around midday, although the EC has indicated that voting could continue beyond that time if necessary.

The EC has also cautioned delegates against taking photographs of their marked ballot papers or directing others on how to vote, describing such conduct as an electoral offence. Delegates will be identified using a party membership card, voter identification card or Ghana Card before being allowed to vote.

Security arrangements

The NPP says extensive security arrangements have been made for the conference. Organisation Committee Chairperson Anthony Abayifaa Karbo said between 3,000 and 4,000 police personnel had been deployed to Kumasi for the event.

He said the officers would handle traffic management, secure hostels where delegates and guests are staying, and provide security around and inside the stadium.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has also announced temporary road closures and traffic diversions around the stadium to facilitate the event.

The affected roads include the routes from Bridginia Traffic Lights to Carvery Methodist Church, Unity Oil Fuel Station to T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, and Is My Kitchen Restaurant to Bridginia Traffic Lights.

The Police have also announced designated parking arrangements for delegates, party executives, MPs, former MPs, MMDCEs and other accredited participants.

The Command has warned motorists against unauthorised parking and said towing trucks will be deployed to remove wrongly parked or abandoned vehicles.

Electoral Commission ready

The EC, which will supervise the elections, says it is ready for the exercise. EC Director of Electoral Services Samuel Kwaah said all preparations had been completed and that ballot papers and other electoral materials were ready.

The ballot papers were reportedly deposited with the Police for safekeeping after being received by the EC.

In a message to delegates, Mr Agyarko described the gathering as an important moment for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and said the party’s immediate task was to “reset, rebuild and position” itself for the 2028 elections.

Under his proposed leadership agenda, Mr Agyarko said the party must focus on reconciliation and genuine unity, integrity and discipline, grassroots support, and election readiness.

He said his first priority would be to heal internal divisions, end factionalism and restore mutual respect among members.

On party discipline, he pledged to uphold the NPP’s constitution and ensure that its rules were applied fairly to all members, regardless of their positions.

Mr Agyarko also promised greater support for grassroots party structures, including year-round welfare packages, capacity-building programmes and more predictable logistical support for polling station and constituency executives.

He said the party must also strengthen its election machinery ahead of 2028 by developing what he described as a modern election and ballot-security structure extending from the polling station level.

The former Energy Minister said his proposed agenda was captured under the acronym “R.I.S.E.”, representing Reconciliation and Genuine Unity, Integrity of the Constitution and Discipline, Support for the Grassroots, and Election Readiness for 2028.

Mr Agyarko also highlighted his years of service to the NPP and said his experience in both government and opposition had prepared him for the role of National Chairman.

“I have stood with the NPP in victory and in opposition, because the party has always been bigger than any one of us,” he said.

He urged delegates to conduct themselves peacefully during the elections and protect the unity of the party.

Mr Agyarko further called on delegates to consider character, integrity and experience when casting their ballots.

Read the statement below:

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Fusaini Abanga maintains lead in NPP National Youth Organiser race

The conference and elections are scheduled to take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Chairperson of the NPP Organisation Committee, Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, said the security deployment would cover the stadium, designated hostels for delegates and guests, as well as traffic management around the conference venue.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their cooperation in preparations for the event.

Speaking to Citi News in Kumasi, Mr Karbo said arrangements for the conference were at an advanced stage, with delegates already arriving in the city and settling into their assigned accommodation.

He said public address systems were being installed at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, while security personnel had also been positioned at strategic locations around the facility.

Mr Karbo expressed confidence in the conduct of the aspirants and delegates, saying the contestants had generally cooperated with the organising committee throughout the preparations.

He urged delegates to remain disciplined and conduct themselves responsibly to ensure that the conference and elections are held without disruptions.

“We’re very much ready for tomorrow; you come around, you see the police and arrangements so far. I’m sure we’re ready; delegates are arriving at their hostels.

“The IGP has been fantastic so far; his regional command has been cooperative with us, and they have worked hard to deploy about 3,000 to 4,000 police force to help us with security arrangements and traffic within the hostels and also the stadium,” he said.

Mr Karbo assured that the NPP remained committed to ensuring a smooth and successful National Delegates Conference.

READ ALSO:

NPP needs Afoko to break NDC in 2028 – Senior Lecturer

Fusaini Abanga maintains lead in NPP National Youth Organiser race

Speaking on Precise FM, the Senior KNUST Lecturer said Mahama had performed creditably on inflation and the exchange rate, underscoring the need for strong opposition leadership to make the NPP attractive to Ghanaians through new national leaders.

He said the NPP’s attempts to attribute the economic improvement mainly to the government’s GoldBod policies did not fully answer why the party itself did not achieve similar results when it was in government.

Dr. Amakye-Boateng holds the view that the NPP has “extra work to do” if it wants to present a convincing alternative to voters in 2028, pointing to why Awentami Paul Afoko should be the best person to be elected as National Chairman.

Dr. Amakye-Boateng also linked that challenge to Mahamudu Bawumia’s record as Vice President under the Akufo-Addo administration.

According to him, Dr. Bawumia could face questions about any new economic proposals he presents during the next election cycle because he served in the previous government.

“Bawumia’s integrity has been on the line because he participated in Akufo-Addo’s government,” he said.

He argued that if Bawumia campaigns on policies that differ from those implemented under the previous administration, voters could ask why he did not pursue those policies while in government.

“If Bawumia campaigns and tells the electorate about new policies he intends to bring, that would be compromised because people would ask him, ‘Why didn’t you do that when you were in the erstwhile NPP government?'” he said.

For Dr. Amakye-Boateng, the NPP’s response should begin with a change in its internal leadership and identity. He said a new leadership structure could allow the party to distance itself from its previous record and present a fresh political message to voters.

“With a new identity starting with the election of Awentami Paul Afoko, then they would be on a new trajectory that would appeal to the masses,” he said.

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Fusaini Abanga maintains lead in NPP National Youth Organiser race

NPP sets up 31 voting centres for national executive elections

The final wave of the poll, conducted between September 24 and 28, 2026, puts Abanga at 45% among committed NPP delegates surveyed.

Clement O. Gyamfi follows with 22%, giving Abanga a 23-percentage-point lead over his closest challenger. Michael Osei Boateng records 14%, while Alfred Ababio and Vera Oye Bram-Larbi each have 7%. Chris Lloyd Asamoah records 4%.

The figures form part of a three-wave tracking exercise conducted in September, with Abanga remaining remarkably consistent throughout the survey period.

He recorded 46% in the first wave on September 17, before polling 45% on both September 23 and September 28. His movement across the three surveys therefore amounts to just one percentage point.

Gyamfi, by comparison, started at 30% in the first wave before dropping to 22% in the second wave, where he remained in the final survey.

Boateng’s support increased from 9% in the first wave to 14% in the second and final waves. Ababio also recorded a notable increase, moving from 1% initially to 8%, while Bram-Larbi moved from 4% to 7%.

Asamoah’s support moved in of the statistical uncertainty associated with the opposite direction, falling from 9% in the first wave to 4% in the final two surveys.

What the numbers mean

The final survey involved 3,263 delegates and, according to the methodology presented by Global InfoAnalytics, covered the NPP’s 16 regions. The poll used Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) and reported a 98% confidence level with a ±1.35 percentage-point margin of error.

The survey sample also remained substantial across all three waves, increasing from 2,342 delegates on September 17 to 3,288 on September 23, before recording 3,263 in the final wave.

For the National Youth Organiser contest, the latest data show Abanga at 45%, with Gyamfi at 22%, Boateng at 14%, Ababio and Bram-Larbi at 7% each, and Asamoah at 4%, while the three-wave trend provides additional context on how each candidate’s measured support changed during September.

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NPP sets up 31 voting centres for national executive elections

7,121 delegates to vote in NPP national executive elections

In a Facebook post, Mr Nkansah said COP Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, who served as EOCO Executive Director from January 2022 to March 2025, carried out her duties without engaging in what he described as unnecessary drama.

He contrasted her tenure with the current leadership of the anti-corruption agency, accusing its head of engaging in excessive publicity without corresponding successful prosecutions.

“She worked professionally without indulging in any useless drama. Not that guy who has been doing 100% drama with no successful prosecution,” he wrote.

Mr Nkansah’s comments come amid renewed public discussions about EOCO’s handling of high-profile investigations and prosecutions.

In a statement, Mr Agyarko said the MP’s continued detention was unnecessary, arguing that his voluntary appearance before EOCO demonstrated that he was not a flight risk.

According to him, Baffour-Awuah voluntarily presented himself to EOCO with his lawyers on October 1, 2026, following an earlier attempt to arrest him at the Accra High Court on September 23 while he was representing a client.

“A man who walks into an investigator’s office of his own accord is not a flight risk. Keeping him in custody serves no purpose that reasonable bail cannot serve equally well,” he said.

Mr Agyarko stressed that the NPP was not seeking special treatment for its members but was demanding fairness, due process, the presumption of innocence and respect for personal liberty.

“No one is above the law, and the NPP does not ask for special treatment for any of its members. What we ask for is what every Ghanaian is entitled to under the 1992 Constitution: fairness, due process, the presumption of innocence and the protection of personal liberty.”

He also urged investigative agencies to remain professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties.

“Investigative agencies serve the Republic, not any political party. Their work must be professional, proportionate and seen to be free from political motive, otherwise public confidence in our institutions suffers.”

The NPP chairman hopeful further referenced concerns raised by the Ghana Bar Association over the arrest of lawyers on court premises while representing clients.

He called on President John Mahama to ensure that security and investigative agencies exercise restraint and act fairly, particularly in cases involving opposition figures.

Mr Agyarko subsequently urged EOCO to grant Baffour-Awuah bail and allow investigations to continue while he remains at liberty.

He also appealed to NPP supporters in Manhyia South, the Ashanti Region and across the country to remain calm and express their solidarity peacefully and within the law.

“The NPP I seek to lead will stand by every member who faces adversity, with legal support, with our presence and with principle. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be provoked. The rule of law must prevail.”

The arrangement is expected to prevent voting from extending into the night, with about 7,136 delegates expected to participate in the elections.

Speaking to JoyNews, the NPP Director of Elections, Evans Nimako, said 21 of the centres would cater for the elections of the party’s chairman, vice chairman, general secretary, organiser and treasurer.

“This is to ensure that we are able to vote so quickly that it will not travel into the night,” he said.

Mr Nimako explained that the arrangement would limit the number of delegates assigned to each centre to no more than 400.

The remaining 10 centres will cater for the party’s various wing elections, comprising five for the youth wing, three for the women’s wing and two for the Nasara contest.

He said the youth wing has a particularly large number of eligible voters because the party’s constitution allows all delegates below the age of 40 to participate in the youth wing election.

All 31 voting centres will be located within the Babayara Sports Stadium and will be manned by officials of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Candidates will also have accredited agents stationed at the various centres to observe the voting process.

Mr Nimako disclosed that a simulation exercise had already been conducted at the stadium involving the conference committee, the police, the EC and other stakeholders.

He said the exercise was designed to demonstrate how the voting process would be managed and identify potential challenges ahead of election day.

Mr Nimako expressed confidence that the arrangements would facilitate a smooth voting process when the NPP holds its conference elections on Saturday.

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In a Facebook post on Thursday, October 1, the Effutu MP questioned EOCO’s handling of the arrest and investigation of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, suggesting that the agency’s actions could form part of a broader attempt to intimidate critical opposition voices.

His comments followed Mr Baffour Awuah’s appearance at EOCO on October 1, accompanied by his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, and other MPs, after the Accra High Court issued a warrant authorising his arrest and searches for documents relevant to the investigation.

EOCO had told the court that it had exhausted reasonable means of securing the MP’s voluntary attendance.

Although the Minority Leader said his party was not seeking to interfere with the investigation into transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans, he questioned the circumstances surrounding the warrant and the MP’s treatment.

“We do not by this seek to prejudge the SIC Life Savings & Loans investigation. No one is above the law, EOCO included. But we believe the MP’s treatment forms part of a broader attempt to intimidate critical opposition voices,” he wrote.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further claimed that Mr Baffour Awuah had referred EOCO’s earlier invitations to the Clerk of Parliament, but the agency had not recognised the correspondence.

He also questioned whether EOCO had engaged the Speaker of Parliament before seeking the arrest warrant, arguing that publicly available information did not establish that such an approach had been made.

“Hon. Baffour Awuah says he referred EOCO’s February invitations to the Clerk of Parliament, but EOCO refused to recognise correspondence from the Clerk. Nothing publicly available to us shows that EOCO subsequently approached the Speaker before seeking the warrant.

“On what basis, then, did it reportedly claim to have exhausted reasonable means of securing his attendance? It is regrettable that a false impression is being created that the MP deliberately avoided EOCO.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s remarks add to the Minority’s concerns about the handling of the case, while his call for EOCO to pursue drug trafficking financiers and organisers broadens the criticism to the agency’s wider priorities.

The allegations about EOCO’s conduct and the MP’s treatment remain claims made by the Minority Leader.

The investigation into Mr Baffour Awuah remains ongoing.

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The Electoral Commission (EC), which will supervise the elections, said all electoral materials had been deployed and ballot papers were ready in the Ashanti Region.

Mr Samuel Kwaah, Director of Electoral Services at the EC, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Thursday that the Commission was ready to supervise the elections.

“All the preparations have been made, and EC is ready. Ballot papers are ready in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

A total of 47 aspirants are contesting various positions, including the National Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, General Secretary, National Treasurer, National Organiser, National Women’s Organiser, National Youth Organiser and National Nasara Organiser.

The National Communications Director position is unopposed.

The chairmanship race features former National Chairmen Paul Afoko and John Boadu, former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko and former Greater Accra Regional Chairman Sammy Crabbe.

The General Secretary contest has four candidates: incumbent Justin Frimpong Kodua, former Subin MP Eugene Boakye Antwi, former Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro MP Sylvester Tetteh and Dr Charles Dwamena.

Thirteen aspirants are contesting the Vice-Chairperson positions, while seven candidates are contesting the National Organiser position.

Candidates are also contesting the National Treasurer, National Women’s Organiser, National Youth Organiser and National Nasara Organiser positions, while Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye is the sole candidate for National Communications Director.

Mr Frederick Opare-Ansah, Chairman of the National Officers’ Elections Committee, said preparations for the conference, including accommodation, transportation, feeding and security, were in place.

He said the EC had received the ballot papers, which were subsequently deposited with the police for safekeeping.

Mr Opare-Ansah said Saturday’s programme would be held in two parts, with the party’s conference, including addresses and proposed constitutional amendments, taking place first before the EC took over the venue for voting, expected around midday.

He urged delegates to exercise their franchise freely and avoid intimidation.

“We want that atmosphere of camaraderie,” he said, urging delegates to maintain unity as members of one party.

Mr Kwaah said voting could continue beyond midday if necessary, with the final closing time to be determined after consultations with the party and candidates.

He said delegates would be identified using a party membership card, voter identification card or Ghana Card before voting.

Mr Kwaah cautioned delegates against taking photographs of their marked ballots or directing others on how to vote, describing such conduct as an electoral offence.

The elections constitute the final leg of the NPP’s nationwide reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general election, following the completion of polling station, electoral area, constituency and regional-level elections.

The party elected Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer for the 2028 general election after he won the presidential primary in January 2026.

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The Ashanti Regional Police Command says the arrangements are intended to ensure security, protect the public and manage traffic during the event.

Speaking to the media in Kumasi, the Head of the Police Public Affairs Unit, Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, outlined the affected roads and alternative routes motorists are expected to use.

The roads to be closed temporarily to vehicular traffic are:

• Bridginia Traffic Lights to Carvery Methodist Church
• Unity Oil Fuel Station to T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School
• Is My Kitchen Restaurant to Bridginia Traffic Lights

Under the diversion arrangements, commercial vehicles coming from Amakom will proceed straight towards Asokwa, while vehicles from Asafo will be diverted at Bridginia Traffic Lights towards Asokwa or Amakom Traffic Lights.

Commercial vehicles travelling from LLL towards T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School will proceed straight to Amakom Traffic Lights.

Vehicles moving from Kumasi City Mall towards Afful Nkwanta Junction will be diverted through Bulldog Restaurant, while traffic from Afful Nkwanta will proceed straight towards Kumasi City Mall.

The Police Command has also announced designated parking areas for delegates and officials, warning that the arrangements will be strictly enforced.

The VVIP Car Park will be reserved for former Presidents and the NPP presidential candidate. Members of Parliament, former MPs, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and chief executive officers will use the Scoreboard Parking Area.

Regional delegates arriving by bus and national party executives are expected to park at Heroes Park, while official police vehicles will be stationed at the Hockey Pitch.

The Command says access to designated areas will be restricted to duly accredited individuals and vehicles. Motorists must display their accreditation prominently and comply with instructions from officers deployed to manage the event.

It has cautioned drivers against parking in unauthorised areas or attempting to bypass roadblocks.

“Personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will be stationed at strategic points to direct traffic and enforce the restrictions.

“Towing trucks will also be available to remove wrongly parked or abandoned vehicles to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) yard, with the cost charged to the owners,” he added.

The Police have urged motorists, delegates, party supporters and the general public to plan their journeys ahead of time, use alternative routes and avoid parking around the stadium.

They warned that unauthorised access, illegal parking and obstruction of designated routes would not be tolerated, and apologised for any inconvenience the temporary measures may cause.

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• NPP elections: Destruction of aspirants’ posters breaches democracy – Ashanti Communications Director

According to him, the atmosphere across Kumasi has been energised by the party’s paraphernalia and activities ahead of the conference, which he says demonstrates that interest and enthusiasm for the party are returning.

Speaking to Adom News, Dr. Opoku Owusu said the excitement could be felt across various parts of Kumasi, indicating that the city is set to host a major political event on Saturday.

“We, the executives in the region hosting this conference, are fully prepared. We want all delegates coming to Kumasi to be assured of proper security and a smooth process throughout the conference,” he said.

The Communications Director added that about 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference, with the necessary security arrangements being put in place to ensure a peaceful event.

He further stressed that the regional executives would remain neutral in the internal election and support whoever emerges as the winner.

“We, the executives, do not have a side in this election. We are for everybody. Whoever wins, all we expect is unity to help the party win power in 2028,” he said.

According to him, the development constitutes a breach of democratic principles and should be condemned by the appropriate authorities.

Speaking exclusively to Adom News reporter Kwadwo Obeng Mireku, Dr. Opoku Owusu alleged that some of those involved in the destruction of the posters are supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He cited a viral video in which, he alleged, the spokesperson for the Ashanti Regional Minister was seen destroying posters of an NPP aspirant.

“There was a viral video in which the Ashanti Regional Minister’s spokesperson was allegedly seen destroying posters of an NPP aspirant. Up to now, no authority has spoken against it. This is unfair and not how democracy should be practised,” he said.

Dr. Opoku Owusu cautioned NDC supporters against such acts, stressing that the NDC would also organise its internal elections and conferences in the future.

He warned that retaliatory actions could have negative consequences for the peace and stability of the country.

“If the President can trace the IP address of someone who allegedly insults him and have that person arrested, then the security agencies should also be able to identify and arrest those who are destroying posters on the streets,” he said.

He further warned that continued destruction of NPP aspirants’ posters, coupled with the failure of the authorities to address the issue, could lead to retaliation when it becomes the NDC’s turn to organise its internal elections.

He therefore called on the security agencies and other relevant authorities to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating.

In a statement ahead of the party’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, the group said Ghanaians abroad had waited two decades to exercise their voting rights under the law, describing the continued delay in implementation as unacceptable.

It wants the Electoral Commission (EC) to publish a costed implementation plan within 90 days, detailing the legal framework, voter registration and voting arrangements, with full implementation before the 2028 general elections.

The group is also seeking reforms to the NPP’s internal electoral system, including secure electronic voting for members abroad and increased representation for External Branches in the party’s decision-making structures.

It welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on broader participation in internal party elections and urged the incoming NPP leadership to publish a programme outlining how the decision would be implemented.

On the reported seizure of about four tonnes of cocaine allegedly linked to a container from Ghana, the External Branches called for a comprehensive investigation into how the consignment passed through the country’s port.

The group said investigators must establish whether the incident resulted from negligence, procedural lapses or collusion, insisting that the inquiry should follow the evidence regardless of whether it implicates public officials or politically connected individuals.

It also expressed concern that the case could affect legitimate Ghanaian exporters if it leads to increased scrutiny of cargo originating from the country.

The group therefore urged the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to engage exporters to determine whether the incident had resulted in delays, additional costs or other disruptions to legitimate trade.

On freedom of expression, the External Branches maintained that citizens must be able to criticise governments without intimidation. However, it said threats, incitement and deliberate falsehoods should be addressed through lawful processes.

The statement also referred to the case involving nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe, calling for her release on appropriate bail through the judicial process.

The group further opposed a proposed constitutional amendment that would make the NPP’s presidential candidate the leader of the party.

It argued that the existing provision, which designates the National Chairperson as the party’s leader, should be retained and allowed to operate.

The External Branches, which represent 30 branches, said they had submitted proposals to amend Article 8 of the NPP Constitution and related provisions to strengthen the participation of members living abroad.

The proposed changes include increased representation for External Branches on the National Executive Committee and National Council, greater participation by chapters, standardised structures for branches abroad and a constitutional basis for members to vote in their countries of residence.

Ahead of the Kumasi conference, the group also appealed to delegates to maintain unity after the internal elections.

It said members of the External Branches were prepared to contribute resources, expertise and organisational support to the party’s future activities.

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