Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng: Let’s Save NPP – Urgent Call on NPP Flag-Bearer Election 2026 and Party Reforms

In the dynamic landscape of Ghana politics, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a prominent figure and former minister, has issued a stark warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His statement, “Let’s save NPP,” highlights concerns over internal party processes following the NPP’s defeat in the December 2024 general elections. This article breaks down his critique of the NPP National Executive’s decisions on the NPP flag-bearer election 2026, emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and adherence to party traditions to rebuild for the 2028 elections.

Introduction

Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s open letter urges NPP members to confront the party’s dire state after a significant loss in the 2024 elections. As a key architect of NPP’s environmental and health policies during past administrations, he expresses shock at the National Executive’s apparent indifference to grassroots discontent. Central to his message is the controversial shift to a “top-down” approach for the NPP flag-bearer election scheduled for January 31, 2026—nearly three years before the 2028 general elections. This deviates from the NPP’s historical practice of holding such primaries two years prior when in opposition, raising fears of electoral manipulation.

Understanding this context requires grasping NPP’s role in Ghana politics: Founded on principles of rule of law, pluralism, and individual rights, the party has alternated power with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Post-2024, with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the defeated flag-bearer, internal reforms are crucial. Prof. Frimpong-Boateng argues that without addressing root causes like voter apathy and perceived corruption, the NPP risks further decline.

Analysis

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s critique dissects several interconnected issues threatening NPP’s future. He points to the leadership’s failure to conduct a transparent post-election review.

Withholding the Post-Mortem Report

After the NPP’s “disgraceful” 2024 defeat, the National Executive prepared a report on contributing factors but withheld it from the public and party members, using the National Executive Council (NEC) as cover. This lack of analysis prevents remedial actions against issues like economic mismanagement, environmental neglect, and voter disengagement.

Timeline Shift for Flag-Bearer Election

Traditionally, the NPP elects its flag-bearer two years before general elections during opposition periods to allow broad participation. The decision to advance the NPP internal elections to January 2026 is seen as a “top-down” strategy favoring incumbents, potentially enabling rigging through delegate manipulation, bribery, or intimidation—echoing alleged irregularities in Dr. Bawumia’s prior selection.

Leadership and External Influences

He accuses the National Executive of serving “puppet masters,” including influences from former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The Council of Elders Chairman is criticized for ignoring advice from elders like Kwame Pianim and Kwadwo Mpiani, prioritizing external agendas. A October 21, 2025, breakfast meeting hosted by Akufo-Addo with five aspirants is cited as endorsing this divisive process, contradicting unity calls.

Summary

In essence, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng portrays the NPP National Executive as complacent amid existential threats. Key grievances include suppressed post-election insights, premature and manipulable primaries, and erosion of democratic norms. He warns that repeating past errors—corrupt NPP internal elections, apathy leading to low turnout—could doom the party in 2028. His pedagogical call is for vigilance, reform, and return to bottom-up elections to restore trust and cohesion.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng offers actionable steps to save NPP, drawing from party principles and historical successes.

Cancel and Reset Primaries

Postpone the January 2026 NPP flag-bearer election and revert to traditional timing. This ensures a level playing field, supervised by impartial bodies, preventing bias toward any candidate.

Promote Transparency

Release the post-mortem report fully. Conduct grassroots consultations to identify reforms, addressing voter apathy through inclusive decision-making.

Strengthen Internal Democracy

Empower delegates against manipulation. Educate members on NPP’s foundational values—rule of law, pluralism—to foster accountability. Encourage aspirants to prioritize party unity over personal ambition.

Rebuild Public Trust

Tackle past failures head-on: Criticize NDC’s galamsey escalation, propose anti-corruption measures, and outline environmental policies. Position NPP as a credible 2028 alternative.

Points of Caution

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng cautions against complacency, emphasizing verifiable risks from flawed processes.

Voter Apathy and Turnout Collapse

Corrupt primaries in 2024 led to thousands of NPP supporters abstaining, amplifying defeat. A rigged 2026 race could repeat this, eroding the base.

Division and Acrimony

Top-down approaches breed resentment, as seen in open and private opposition. This weakens cohesion for 2028.

Long-Term Reputation Damage

Perceived as elitist or family-controlled (e.g., “family and friends’ government”), NPP risks alienating discerning Ghanaians valuing integrity.

Diversionary Tactics

Leaders may deploy unity rhetoric or meetings to mask schemes—members must stay vigilant.

Comparison

Contrasting NPP’s traditional model with the proposed changes highlights the stakes for Ghana NPP party democracy.

Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Primaries

Past vs. Current Leadership

Historically, NPP primaries emphasized pluralism; recent ones allegedly mobilized government resources for Dr. Bawumia, leading to backlash. Elders like Pianim advocate wisdom, contrasting current influences.

Legal Implications

While Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s concerns are political, they touch on verifiable aspects of NPP’s constitution. Article 12 of the NPP Constitution mandates flag-bearer elections via congress of accredited delegates, emphasizing fairness. Deviating timelines without NEC approval could invite internal disputes, potentially resolved via the party’s Appeals Committee or High Court under Ghana’s Political Parties Act (2000, as amended). No criminality is alleged, but proven rigging violates Article 55(2) of the 1992 Constitution on intra-party democracy. Members can petition for injunctions, as in past cases like Abu Ramadan v. NPP (2016). Transparency ensures compliance, avoiding litigation that plagued prior cycles.

Conclusion

Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s clarion call to save NPP is a pedagogical blueprint for revival. By rejecting top-down manipulations, releasing critical reports, and recommitting to democratic roots, the NPP can transform defeat into resurgence. Delegates and members hold the power: Reject rigged NPP internal elections, demand accountability, and build an inclusive party for 2028 victory. As Ghana’s politics evolves, NPP’s adherence to principles will define its legacy—act now to secure a brighter future.

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