Politics

NPP opens nominations for 2026 flagbearer race

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened nominations for its upcoming presidential primaries, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive race ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Announced on Tuesday, July 29, by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the nomination window will run until Thursday, August 28, 2025. The primaries are slated for January 31, 2026, when the party will elect its next presidential candidate.

According to the party, all individuals seeking to lead the NPP into the next general elections will be required to pay a total of GH¢600,000 in non-refundable fees. This includes a GH¢100,000 application fee and a GH¢500,000 filing fee, both of which must be paid via Bankers’ Draft to the NPP National Headquarters in Accra.

In addition to these two payments, prospective candidates will also be expected to make a yet-to-be-announced “Development Fee,” which will be determined by the party’s National Council. The notice, issued under Article 13(1)(2) of the NPP constitution, did not specify when this additional fee would be communicated.

The announcement comes as the party begins preparations to transition from the current Akufo-Addo administration, with internal momentum already building among various camps. Multiple leading figures within the party have been tipped to join the race, although only a few have publicly declared their intentions so far.

The financial requirement set by the party is seen by some political observers as a mechanism to filter serious candidates from the crowd. Others, however, argue that the high cost could discourage participation and reinforce perceptions of monetization in Ghanaian politics.

Despite these concerns, party officials say the fees are necessary to support the organisation of a nationwide primary that involves delegates from all constituencies across the country.

The January 2026 primary will be crucial for the NPP, as it looks to select a candidate who can unify the party and maintain its electoral strength in the face of a resurgent opposition.