NPP to debate sweeping party constitution reforms at October 2026 conference

The New Patriotic Party has begun circulating a comprehensive set of constitutional amendments to its regional and constituency structures, signalling major internal reforms ahead of its National Delegates Conference scheduled for 3 October 2026 in Kumasi. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling requiring political parties to expand voting rights during primaries in line with Ghana's 1992 Constitution.

The proposed changes span party leadership structures, grassroots representation, gender inclusion, and campaign spending controls. A nine-member Constitution Amendment Committee, headed by Frank Davies, is responsible for refining the submissions into formal motions for delegates to consider.

Leadership restructuring and succession planning

Among the most significant proposals are changes to how the NPP designates its party leader. Several prominent party members—including Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and Daniel Kwaku Adomako—have proposed that the party's presidential candidate automatically become the official Leader of the Party once elected. Under this framework, the National Chairperson would serve as leader only when the party is in opposition and before a new standard-bearer emerges.

The proposals also recommend expanding the number of National Vice-Chairpersons from three to six, with three new positions being appointed rather than elected. Proponents argue this expansion ensures compliance with constitutional requirements for national executive committees to include representation from all 16 regions of Ghana.

Additional proposals involve restructuring the Council of Elders to incorporate all past Presidents, Vice Presidents, and National Chairmen automatically upon completing their tenures. The 16 regional councils of elders have separately requested automatic delegate status at national conferences, signalling broader efforts to formalise party hierarchy and experience.

Inclusion, spending controls and representation reforms

The amendment package reflects broader efforts to modernise party administration and enforce compliance with national legislative requirements. Proposals include creating a formal National Christian Wing, mirroring the existing Nasara Wing structure. IT Officers would be formally integrated into constituency executive committees under separate proposals, whilst requests have been filed to establish Deputy Communications Officer positions at regional and constituency levels.

A notable proposal aims to curb vote-buying during parliamentary primaries by capping transportation and feeding allowances for delegates at GHS 1,000 in sitting NPP constituencies and GHS 500 in contested seats. Gender representation amendments seek to enforce a minimum 30% quota for women across all elective and appointive positions, aligning with Ghana's Affirmative Action Act 2024.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NPP's constitutional overhaul reflects broader conversations about internal party democracy and compliance with Ghana's legal framework. The Supreme Court ruling that prompted these changes directly impacts how Ghana's two major political parties conduct presidential and parliamentary primaries—a process critical to selecting candidates who compete in general elections. Expanded voting rights and formalised representation could influence candidate selection outcomes and shape the composition of future NPP parliamentary delegations and leadership.

The proposed gender quotas also signal alignment with Ghana's legislative push for women's representation in political decision-making spaces. If adopted, similar frameworks may encourage the opposition National Democratic Congress and other parties to implement comparable measures. The amendments will require a two-thirds majority vote from delegates to pass, meaning substantial party consensus is needed before implementation.

Party members and officials are expected to review the proposals during the coming months, with formal deliberation scheduled for October 2026 in Kumasi.