By Daniel Bampoe
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially opened nominations for presidential aspirants ahead of the 2028 general elections, setting the application fee at GH¢100,000, and a filing fee of GH¢500,000, in line with the party’s constitutional guidelines.
This announcement was made by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, at a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Accra.
The event, which also formed part of the activities marking the party’s 33rd anniversary, outlined key electoral timelines and structures for both the Akwatia by-election and the internal presidential primaries.
Akwatia By-Election: Consensus Candidate
Addressing the media, Kodua touched on preparations for the upcoming Akwatia by-election, which was triggered by the recent passing of the sitting MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
He revealed that the party had opted not to hold primaries in Akwatia, having reached a consensus on a candidate through broad consultations.
A special elections committee, chaired by the Eastern Regional Chairman, with the Regional Secretary as secretary and supported by sitting and former MPs including Osei Bonsu Amoah, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, and Abena Osei-Asare, spearheaded the process.
“Through consensus, deliberations, and discussions, the committee was able to settle on a single candidate, hence no need for a contested parliamentary primary in Akwatia,” Kodua stated.
The party leadership has pledged full logistical and strategic support to the local campaign team to retain the seat.
2028 Presidential Race
In a major announcement, the NPP General Secretary disclosed that nominations for presidential aspirants officially opened on July 29, 2025, and would close on August 28, 2025.
The presidential primary will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Aspiring candidates are required to purchase nomination forms at a non-refundable GH¢100,000, payable via bankers’ draft to the NPP National Headquarters, with an additional GH¢500,000 filing fee.
Not fewer than seven aspirants including former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
have indicated their interest in joining the race.
Aspirants must also pay a compulsory development fee, the exact amount of which will be determined by the party’s National Council.
Nomination forms are available at the office of the General Secretary at the NPP headquarters in Accra.
Electoral College
Kodua detailed the makeup of the Electoral College that will elect the party’s 2028 flagbearer, as enshrined in Article 13(11) of the NPP constitution.
The Electoral College:
All members of the National Council
Voting members of the National and Regional Executive Committees
Electoral Area Coordinators
Polling Station Executives (currently five per station, to be increased to seven after February 2026)
Members of Parliament, former MPs, and former parliamentary candidates
National Council of Elders and Patrons
Representatives of special organs and external branches
Founding members of the party
This expansive electoral structure reflects the party’s commitment to grassroots participation, according to the General Secretary.
Presidential Elections Committee and Vetting Team
To ensure a smooth process, the National Council has constituted a Presidential Elections Committee chaired by Joe Osei Owusu, former MP for Bekwai. Other members are:
Kwabena Abankwa Yeboah
William Yamoah (Secretary)
Barbara Benisa
Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei
Evans Nimako, Director of Elections
In addition, a Presidential Vetting Committee has been formed, chaired by Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, former MP for Manhyia. The committee members are:
Stephen Ntim
Fred Oware
Lord Commey
Elizabeth Ohene
Evans Nimako (Secretary)
The vetting process is expected to be rigorous, as the party seeks a credible and competitive candidate to lead it into the 2028 national elections.
Looking Ahead
With the NPP now gearing up for both the Akwatia by-election and its 2028 presidential primaries, the party is entering a politically charged phase.
Kodua emphasized the NPP’s continued commitment to democratic principles, internal cohesion, and national development.
“This information is for our party members and the Ghanaian public. We are a democratic party and will continue to uphold the values that have sustained us for 33 years,” he indicated.
The stage is now set for what promises to be a competitive internal race as aspirants begin to mobilize support from the party’s broad electoral base.
