NPP Sets August 31 to September 3 for Vetting of National Executive Aspirants

Date: August 24, 2026

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will conduct the vetting of aspirants seeking national executive positions from Monday, August 31 to Thursday, September 3, 2026, as part of preparations for its National Officers Elections scheduled for October 3.

The announcement follows the successful close of nominations on August 22, during which 50 aspirants purchased nomination forms to contest nine national executive positions, making this one of the party’s most competitive internal elections in recent years.

In a statement signed by Frederick Opare-Ansah, Chairman of the NPP’s National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC), the party emphasized that purchasing a nomination form does not automatically qualify an aspirant to contest. Every applicant must first satisfy the eligibility requirements and successfully pass the vetting process before being declared a valid candidate.

Filing of nominations underway

Before the vetting exercise begins, all aspirants are required to submit their completed nomination forms and supporting documents between August 23 and August 29, 2026.

The NOEC said arrangements have been put in place at the party’s National Secretariat to ensure the orderly receipt, registration and secure custody of all nomination documents.

Party officials noted that the filing stage is a critical part of the process, as incomplete or improperly endorsed forms could affect an aspirant’s eligibility.

Four-day vetting schedule

The NPP has released a detailed timetable showing when aspirants for each office will appear before the Vetting Committee.

The vetting panel will assess each aspirant’s qualifications, eligibility, party membership status and compliance with the provisions of the NPP Constitution before recommending qualified candidates for the elections.

Cecilia Dapaah chairs Vetting Committee

The party has appointed former Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah as Chairperson of the National Vetting Committee.

She will be joined by a team of senior party figures, including Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Elizabeth Ohene, Salifu Saeed, Dr Barffour Agyei-Bawuah, Joyce Opoku Boateng, Osei Prempeh and Arnold Boateng. The committee is mandated to examine every aspirant and recommend the disqualification of anyone who fails to meet the party’s constitutional requirements.

Results and appeals

Following the completion of the vetting exercise, the NPP will publish the list of qualified aspirants on September 5, 2026.

Any aspirant dissatisfied with the committee’s decision will have the opportunity to file an appeal before the party’s Appeals Committee, with the appeal process scheduled to run until September 14.

The National Council and National Executive Committee will subsequently meet to finalize the electoral process before the official Notice of Poll is issued.

Race for key national positions

This year’s elections will determine the party’s leadership across nine strategic offices, including:

• National Chairman

• National Vice Chairpersons

• General Secretary

• National Treasurer

• National Organiser

• National Communications Director

• National Women Organiser

• National Youth Organiser

• National Nasara Organiser

Among the high-profile contests is the race for National Chairman, where notable figures including Paul Afoko, John Boadu, Boakye Agyarko, Sammy Crabbe and Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) have entered the contest.

A crucial election for the NPP

The October 3 National Officers Elections are widely regarded as a pivotal moment for the opposition party as it rebuilds following the 2024 general elections.

The elected national executives will be responsible for reorganizing the party’s structures, strengthening grassroots mobilisation and working alongside the party’s 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the next general election.

With 50 aspirants competing for nine influential positions, party members expect a keenly contested but transparent process.

The NPP says its objective remains conducting a fair, orderly and credible internal election that reflects the democratic values of the party and prepares it for the political challenges ahead.