NPP Primaries: Election Can Be Free, Fair, Credible and Peaceful – Henry Boakye

Introduction

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its crucial presidential primaries, National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye has assured Ghanaians that the election will be conducted in a manner that is free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful. With the primaries scheduled for January 31, the party leadership has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process while ensuring all stakeholders have confidence in the system.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party is preparing for its presidential primaries to select a flagbearer who will lead the party into the 2028 general elections. This internal contest is considered crucial for shaping both the party’s future direction and Ghana’s broader democratic landscape. Five prominent candidates are vying for the nomination: former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Ing. Kwabena Agyepong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong.

Analysis

Committee Structure and Operations

The NPP has established two critical committees to ensure the primaries run smoothly. The Vetting Committee, chaired by former Defence Minister Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, and the Elections Committee, led by former Member of Parliament Joe Wise, have been working diligently to maintain the integrity of the process.

According to Henry Boakye, the operations of both committees have been satisfactory, with all five presidential aspirants expressing confidence in the process. The committees have maintained constant engagement with the aspirants, allowing each to nominate two representatives to participate in meetings and raise concerns as needed.

This inclusive approach demonstrates the party’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, which are essential elements for building trust in any electoral process.

Security Arrangements and Concerns

One of the most significant aspects of Boakye’s statements concerns security arrangements for the primaries. The NPP National Organiser has emphasized that responsibility for election security rests solely with the Ghana Police Service, explicitly rejecting any involvement from National Security personnel.

This stance appears to stem from intelligence suggesting that National Security staff might be deployed to some voting centers. Boakye has strongly opposed this potential intervention, stating that the party does not want the “intrusion, interference, or intervention of National Security” in the electoral process.

The decision to limit security involvement to the police force aligns with standard electoral practices, where uniformed security personnel typically manage polling stations to maintain order and prevent disruptions.

Regional Security Considerations

The security briefing from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and his team indicates that military support will only be required in the Bawku enclave due to ongoing security challenges in that area. This targeted approach to security deployment demonstrates the police’s understanding of regional dynamics and their ability to allocate resources appropriately.

With over 300 voting centers across the country, limiting military intervention to a single problematic area shows restraint and confidence in the police’s ability to manage the electoral process effectively.

Political Implications

Boakye’s allegations about elements within National Security affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) potentially attempting to disrupt the primaries add a layer of political complexity to the situation. While such claims require careful consideration, they highlight the heightened political tensions surrounding the primaries.

The NPP’s decision to instruct its internal security team to stand down further emphasizes the party’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful and orderly electoral process under police supervision.

Practical Advice

For delegates and party members participating in the primaries:

1. **Verify your accreditation** – Ensure you have proper identification and accreditation before arriving at your designated voting center.

2. **Follow official procedures** – Adhere strictly to the voting procedures outlined by the Elections Committee to avoid any complications.

3. **Report concerns appropriately** – If you encounter any issues, contact the designated party representatives or the Ghana Police Service rather than attempting to handle situations independently.

4. **Maintain peaceful conduct** – Remember that the goal is a peaceful election, so avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or disrupt the process.

5. **Stay informed** – Follow official NPP communications for any last-minute updates or changes to the electoral process.

FAQ

Conclusion

The NPP’s presidential primaries represent a critical moment in Ghana’s democratic process, and the party’s leadership appears committed to conducting a transparent, credible, and peaceful election. Henry Boakye’s assurances, combined with the structured approach to committee oversight and security management, suggest a well-organized electoral process.

The emphasis on limiting security involvement to the police force, the engagement with all aspirants, and the targeted approach to regional security concerns all point toward a mature understanding of electoral management. As Ghanaians look forward to the primaries, the NPP’s handling of this internal election could set important precedents for future electoral processes in the country.

The success of these primaries will not only determine the party’s flagbearer for 2028 but also demonstrate Ghana’s continued commitment to democratic principles and peaceful political transitions.

Sources

This article is based on statements made by Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, during an interview on PleasureNews’ AM Show. Additional context was provided by Life Pulse Daily’s coverage of the upcoming NPP presidential primaries.

Please note that the views and statements expressed by individuals in this article represent their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Multimedia Group Limited or any other organization.