BY Nadia Ntiamoah
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) approaches its highly anticipated presidential primary on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the party has formally restricted security responsibilities exclusively to the Ghana Police Service, warning that any interference by National Security operatives will not be tolerated.
In a statement issued by Henry Nana Boakye, the NPP National Organizer, the party emphasized that only uniformed and officially deployed police officers will be permitted to provide security at voting centres, collation points, and all activities connected to the presidential primary.
According to the NPP, any attempt by unauthorised personnel—including plain-clothed agents from National Security or other bodies—to participate in the exercise will constitute an unlawful intrusion into the party’s internal democratic processes.
The directive follows information suggesting that certain elements within National Security may have intended to deploy unauthorised operatives during the election.
The NPP characterized such actions as a potential threat capable of disrupting or manipulating the primary and stressed that the party will take all lawful measures to safeguard the integrity of the election.
“The Ghana Police Service has so far demonstrated capacity and professionalism,” Boakye stated, adding that the police must enforce the party’s directive strictly and ensure that only duly authorised officers are deployed throughout the exercise.
The NPP’s warning reflects a clear intent to prevent any interference in a process it describes as a core expression of its internal democracy.
Historically, Ghanaian political parties have relied primarily on the Ghana Police Service for electoral security during primaries and national elections, given the force’s mandate under the law to maintain public order.
However, in recent years, tensions have occasionally arisen over the perceived role of National Security and other state agencies in political processes, particularly during high-stakes contests such as party flagbearer elections.
The NPP’s pre-emptive directive is therefore seen as a bid to avoid such controversies and reinforce confidence among delegates that the primary will proceed in a controlled and transparent manner.
With the January 31 election set to determine the party’s presidential candidate for the 2028 general elections, party leadership appears keen to maintain discipline, prevent interference, and ensure a credible outcome in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive contest.
