NPP Delegates Conference: Here are the 14 major reforms proposed by the Council of Elders
The National Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has put forward several important amendments to the party’s constitution, aiming to tackle the issues that led to their defeat in the 2024 general elections.
These proposed changes, which focus on reinforcing the party’s foundation and enhancing democratic practices, are set to be a major topic of discussion at the NPP National Delegates Conference today, July 19, hosted at the University of Ghana.
The NPP faced a significant setback in the December 2024 elections, culminating in their presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, losing to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) John Dramani Mahama.
The NDC captured 56.55% of the popular vote and a substantial 184 out of 276 parliamentary seats, marking the NPP’s most notable defeat in the Fourth Republic and concluding their two-term tenure.
This considerable loss has sparked urgent calls for self-reflection and essential reforms within the party as it sets its sights on the 2028 elections.
The proposals from the National Council of Elders are part of a comprehensive 59-point plan aimed at revamping the party’s constitution.
The Council of Elders normally serves as an advisory and mediating body within the party, stepping in during critical times to help return the party to its fundamental values.
The Council’s recommendations emphasise the need to boost internal party democracy, promote unity among members, and enhance grassroots structures, key areas highlighted in analyses of the NPP’s electoral performance post-elections.
Below are the suggestions of the National Council of the Elders
AMENDMENT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY THE NPP NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS
- All members of the NCOE shall vote in ALL National Elections.
- In addition to the Regional Representatives on the NCOE, the Council is allowed to nominate five (5) members for appointment to the Council based on distinguished service, support, and exemplary commitment to the advancement of the Party. This will be done from time to time.
- All past Presidents, past Vice Presidents, and past National Chairmen will be inducted to NCOE at the end of their service to ensure the harnessing of their experiences to the Council.
- The NCOE must not support or be seen to favour any candidate.
- When in power, there shall be a mandatory quarterly meeting with the President where issues of concern will be discussed. This meeting will offer the President or the Presidential Candidate to give account of his/her stewardship for appropriate political counsel.
- The NCOE shall be represented by five (5) of its members (Chairman, Vice Chairman, plus three others) on the National Council of the Party.
- The NCOE shall be given an operational budget to carry out its functions.
- The NCOE shall institute an annual nationwide conference to review the Party’s activities at all levels to secure the foundation upon which the party’s stability and strategic direction can be anchored.
- The NCOE shall establish a Judicial Committee consisting of both lawyers and non-lawyers which shall act as the final appeal body within the party. The Committee shall apply wisdom to the law, ADR and no bias to resolve controversies and disputes.
- The NCOE shall also be advisory to the National Council of the Party at all levels including the Flagbearer.
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Circulated by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong - Upon election, the Flagbearer shall appear before the NCOE for advice and input into the campaign strategy and direction. Principles regarding the selection of Running Mate (gender, regional balance, religion, etc.)
- The Flagbearer, upon selection/ election, shall be introduced to the NCOE by the National Chairman before the official outdooring.
- The NCOE must be kept informed of the contents of the Flagbearer’s maiden speech.
- The elected President must select ministers, chief executives, MMDCEs in consultation with the NCOE.