Don’t Hold Elections Hostage Over Isolated Issues – Asah-Asante on NPP Primaries

Introduction

In the lead-up to Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, tensions have surfaced among key aspirants regarding the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Political Scientist Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante has cautioned against allowing isolated disputes to derail the entire electoral process. His remarks come amid disagreements between the campaigns of Kennedy Agyapong and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, highlighting the delicate balance between addressing legitimate concerns and maintaining electoral integrity.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party of Ghana is preparing for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026. As part of the process, aspirants were required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the terms and conditions of the contest. However, during the signing ceremony on January 22, 2026, tensions arose when Kennedy Agyapong raised concerns about discrepancies in the MoU’s content.

According to Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for the Kennedy Agyapong Campaign Team, the disagreement centered on a missing clause that would have designated voting centers as collation centers where results would be declared. This omission, they argued, could potentially affect the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

In contrast, the Bawumia Campaign Team, represented by Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications, offered a different perspective. They stated that the core issue was Clause 2 of the MoU, which required aspirants to pledge acceptance of the primary results and respect the outcome, regardless of the result. This clause was described as a binding commitment to uphold the will of party delegates.

Analysis

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s intervention in this dispute is significant, as it underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system. His advice reflects a broader concern about the potential for isolated issues to escalate into larger conflicts that could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

The Ghanaian electoral system is designed with multiple layers of dispute resolution, starting at the polling station level. This structure allows for immediate addressing of concerns without necessitating a halt to the entire process. Dr. Asah-Asante’s emphasis on this mechanism highlights the robustness of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the importance of utilizing them effectively.

Moreover, his call for candidates to accept defeat gracefully in free and fair elections speaks to a fundamental principle of democracy: the peaceful transfer of power. By advocating for this approach, Dr. Asah-Asante is reinforcing the idea that electoral success is not just about winning, but also about respecting the will of the electorate and the rules of the democratic game.

The disagreement over the MoU’s content also raises questions about the clarity and transparency of electoral agreements. It underscores the need for meticulous drafting and thorough review of such documents to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to disputes. This incident may prompt political parties to review their internal processes for creating and finalizing electoral agreements.

Practical Advice

For political parties and candidates involved in electoral processes, several key takeaways emerge from this situation:

1. **Thorough Review of Agreements**: Ensure that all parties involved in an electoral process have a clear and shared understanding of the terms and conditions. This includes conducting detailed reviews of all documents, such as MoUs, before signing.

2. **Utilize Established Dispute Resolution Mechanisms**: Familiarize yourself with the electoral dispute resolution processes at various levels, from polling stations to higher courts. Use these mechanisms to address concerns rather than resorting to actions that could disrupt the entire process.

3. **Maintain Open Communication**: Foster an environment of open dialogue between different campaign teams and party leadership. This can help in addressing concerns before they escalate into major disputes.

4. **Respect Electoral Integrity**: Recognize that the credibility of the electoral process is paramount. Avoid actions that could be perceived as attempts to undermine the system, even when advocating for specific concerns.

5. **Prepare for All Outcomes**: Develop a mindset of accepting electoral results, whether favorable or not. This preparation can help in maintaining composure and respecting the democratic process, regardless of the outcome.

FAQ

Conclusion

The disagreement over the NPP presidential primaries MoU serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in electoral processes and the importance of maintaining their integrity. Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s advice to not hold elections hostage over isolated issues is a timely reminder of the need to balance addressing legitimate concerns with preserving the overall credibility of the democratic system.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, incidents like these provide valuable lessons on the importance of clear communication, thorough preparation, and respect for established electoral processes. By adhering to these principles, political actors can contribute to a more robust and credible democratic system that serves the interests of all citizens.

The NPP’s handling of this situation will likely be closely watched, not just by party members, but by observers of Ghana’s democracy as a whole. How the party navigates these challenges could set important precedents for future electoral processes, both within the NPP and across Ghana’s political landscape.