The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gearing up to host its much-anticipated delegates conference, scheduled for July 18 and 19, in the Greater Accra Region.
According to the party’s National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, extensive preparations are underway to ensure the smooth execution of the conference.
The event is expected to draw more than 5,500 delegates from across the country, as the opposition party convenes to assess its performance, review key reforms, and plan its future course.
Accordingly, Nana Boakye emphasized that the event is not designed as a political rally or campaign platform but serves as a strictly reform-focused meeting dedicated to restructuring the party.
“This is not a campaign event. It is a gathering strictly for delegates and stakeholders defined by the party’s constitution. Reports from the General Secretary, Treasurer, and National Chairman will be presented, followed by consideration of reform proposals that may lead to constitutional amendments.”
Henry Nana Boakye
The chosen venues for the two-day delegates’ conference, including Anagkazo and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), were carefully selected for their capacity to accommodate the large number of attendees.
Nana Boakye noted that early bookings were essential to secure these locations and to arrange logistics and accommodation for the thousands of participants expected.
Addressing speculations circulating ahead of the conference, Nana Boakye clarified recent reports regarding former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s involvement.
He explained that the respected statesman had not called for the conference’s postponement, as some had claimed.
“President Kufuor only informed us of his unavailability due to a scheduled international trip. He never requested a change of date,” he pointed out. Instead, the former President will participate virtually, and his message will be included in the official conference brochure.
A major focus of this delegates’ conference will be the proposed constitutional reforms developed by the Frank Davies Committee.
These recommendations, if approved by a two-thirds majority of delegates, could bring about significant changes to the party’s operational and governance structures under Article 19 of its constitution.
Nana Boakye highlighted that the reform proposals underwent broad consultations at regional and constituency levels prior to the conference, ensuring all party organs had a chance to review them.
Reforms Target Modernized NPP’s Structures
At the heart of these reforms is the desire to modernize the NPP’s internal processes, drawing on previous work by the Prof Mike Oquaye Committee.
The aim is to streamline operations and enhance efficiency as the party looks ahead to future electoral battles, particularly the 2028 general elections.
Nana Boakye said the amendments were not just routine updates but a strategic move to align the party’s constitution with current realities.
In addressing rumours that the conference would be used to determine the date for selecting the party’s presidential candidate, Nana Boakye was firm in his clarification.
He stated that the party’s National Council, under Article 13 of the NPP Constitution, had already set the date for the presidential primaries as January 31, 2026.
He underscored that this decision is final and not subject to debate at the conference.
“The date was recommended by the Frank Davies Committee and adopted by Council. It is not up for debate at the delegates’ conference. This is not a top-down approach—it’s a constitutional process.”
Henry Nana Boakye
Internal tensions within the NPP ahead of the event have not gone unnoticed. Nana Boakye acknowledged that intense competition and leadership struggles often generate friction within the party ranks.
However, he was optimistic that unity would prevail after the selection of a flagbearer. “About 90% of indiscipline and disunity issues in the party can be traced to the presidential primaries. Once we elect a flagbearer, unity and discipline will follow.”
He called for a transparent and equitable process to help consolidate party cohesion and reduce factionalism.
Nana Boakye also took time to address concerns that party executives were seeking to impose a particular candidate on the delegates. He dismissed these accusations, asserting that the sheer scale of the delegates’ conference made such manipulation impossible.
“This is a party of nearly 400,000 delegates. Nobody can control such a huge number to favour a single candidate. Our job as national executives is to ensure a level playing field. That’s the only way to bring everyone on board post-elections.”
Henry Nana Boakye
With the conference fast approaching, Nana Boakye issued a rallying call to all party members, urging them to focus on unity and strategy.
“This is about putting our best foot forward. The time for internal wrangling is over. The conference offers us the chance to re-strategize and win power again.”
Henry Nana Boakye
As delegates converge on Greater Accra, the delegates’ conference is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the NPP, both in its organisational structure and electoral readiness.
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