We’ve Not Made Any Assertion Disqualifying a Presidential Aspirant – NPP Clarifies

Introduction

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ghana has publicly refuted recent reports suggesting that it has disqualified one of its presidential hopefuls. On 8 October 2025, Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed addressed the claim on PleasureNews Prime, emphasizing that no official statement regarding the disqualification of any aspirant has been issued. This article examines the background of the controversy, the party’s official position, and the procedural framework governing the NPP’s presidential primaries.

Analysis

What sparked the rumor?

A media outlet circulated a story alleging that Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, a contender for the NPP flag‑bearer ticket, received a 48‑hour ultimatum to pay a GH₵4 million “expansion fee” or face disqualification. The claim implied that the party’s internal vetting committee had already taken punitive action against the aspirant.

Official response from the NPP

During the interview, Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed clarified three key points:

• The NPP has not released any official communication stating that a candidate has been disqualified.
• All matters concerning qualification or disqualification are handled by the Presidential Vetting Committee, as outlined in the party’s constitution.
• The party’s Elections Committee is the sole authority on any fee‑related requirements, and any updates will be communicated through proper channels.

Procedural safeguards in the NPP’s primary system

The NPP’s internal electoral process is governed by a set of written rules that cover:

1. Eligibility criteria – age, citizenship, party membership, and absence of criminal convictions.
2. Submission of nomination forms – candidates must file within a prescribed window and attach a security deposit.
3. Vetting and verification – the Presidential Vetting Committee reviews each nomination against the eligibility checklist.
4. Disqualification protocol – a candidate may only be disqualified after a formal notice, an opportunity to respond, and a final decision published by the Elections Committee.

These safeguards are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and legal compliance throughout the primary race.

Summary

In short, the NPP has categorically denied any claim that it has disqualified a presidential aspirant. The party emphasised that no official statement has been released, that the vetting process remains underway, and that any fee‑related matters are under the jurisdiction of the Elections Committee. The upcoming primary, scheduled for 10 October 2025 at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, will feature five cleared aspirants: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Party Members and Supporters

Stay informed by checking the NPP’s official website and the NPP communications portal for updates. Avoid sharing unverified information on social media, as it may contravene the party’s code of conduct.

For Media Professionals

When reporting on internal party matters, verify statements with the party’s designated spokespersons. Cite the official press release dated 8 October 2025 and reference the interview with Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed.

For Aspiring Candidates

Ensure that all documentation—nomination forms, security deposits, and any required fees—are submitted within the stipulated deadline. Keep records of receipts and maintain open communication with the Elections Committee to avoid misunderstandings.

Points of Caution

While rumors can spread rapidly, it is essential to recognize the potential legal ramifications of disseminating false information:

• Defamation risk – Publishing unverified claims about a candidate’s disqualification may expose the publisher to libel actions under Ghanaian law.
• Violation of party regulations – Party members who spread misinformation could face disciplinary measures, including suspension or expulsion.
• Electoral integrity – Misleading statements can undermine confidence in the primary process, potentially affecting voter turnout.

Comparison

Below is a brief comparison of how the NPP’s disqualification procedures differ from those of two other major Ghanaian parties:

Legal Implications

Although no legal action has been taken in this specific case, the following legal considerations are relevant:

1. Defamation law – Under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act (Act 1960, No. 29), publishing false statements that damage a person’s reputation can constitute libel. Parties and media outlets should verify facts before release.
2. Party constitutional compliance – The NPP’s constitution mandates that any disqualification must be accompanied by a written notice and an opportunity for the candidate to respond. Failure to follow this procedure could be challenged in the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
3. Electoral Commission oversight – The Ghana Electoral Commission (EC) monitors party primaries to ensure they comply with national electoral laws. Any irregularities, such as arbitrary disqualification, could trigger an EC investigation.

Conclusion

The New Patriotic Party has unequivocally denied that it has issued any statement disqualifying a presidential aspirant. All procedural matters remain within the remit of the party’s Presidential Vetting Committee and Elections Committee, and the party has scheduled its primary for 10 October 2025 with five vetted candidates. Stakeholders are advised to rely on official communications, respect the party’s internal processes, and avoid spreading unverified rumors that could have legal and reputational consequences.

FAQ

Sources

• Interview with Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed on PleasureNews Prime, 8 October 2025.
• NPP Official Press Release – “Presidential Primary Schedule”, 5 October 2025.
• Ghana Electoral Commission Guidelines on Party Primaries, 2024 Edition.
• Constitution of the New Patriotic Party (latest amendment, 2023).
• Ghana Criminal Offences Act (Act 1960, No. 29) – Defamation provisions.