By Issah Olegor
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to hold a high-stakes meeting on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with all individuals who have publicly declared their intention to contest the party’s presidential primary.
The meeting, which brings together the National Steering Committee, National Council of Elders, and the aspirants, is aimed at promoting unity and streamlining campaign activities as the party prepares for a potentially tense internal contest.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the NPP disclosed that the meeting is part of a broader strategy to ensure internal cohesion ahead of the presidential primary.
The statement, signed by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and unity within the party ranks during the selection process of a flagbearer for the 2028 election.
The scheduled engagement with the presidential hopefuls is expected to touch on “matters of mutual interest”, which insiders say may include the conduct of campaigns, media engagements, and mechanisms to manage tensions within the party.
While the NPP moves to create a level playing field for all aspirants, the party is also taking disciplinary steps against conduct it views as detrimental to its unity.
In a firm decision, the Bono Regional Chairman of the party, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee.
Abronye is accused of violating internal directives by making unguarded public comments in breach of the National Council’s orders.
This action, sources indicate, stems from recent inflammatory statements Abronye is alleged to have made in relation to some presidential aspirants—comments which party elders believe could fuel division at a crucial time.
The referral underscores the party’s renewed effort to clamp down on factionalism and enforce strict adherence to internal protocols.
Moreover, the Steering Committee has ordered an immediate halt to all caucuses or informal gatherings involving current and former party executives or government appointees meeting with individual presidential aspirants.
Such meetings, the party asserts, contravene existing regulations and risk creating perceptions of bias or favoritism.
The directive comes amidst reports that some party heavyweights have already begun holding behind-the-scenes engagements with leading contenders including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Agric Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Railways Minister Joe Ghartey, and outspoken Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong. On Tuesday, June 24, a group of influential figures within the party reportedly held a private meeting with these aspirants at an undisclosed location in Accra.
While details of that engagement remain scanty, party insiders suggest the discussions centered around strategic alignment and securing backing ahead of the primaries.
This latest move by the NPP signals a balancing act between embracing internal competition and safeguarding party cohesion.
With memories of past internal contests that fractured party unity—such as the heated 2007 and 2014 primaries—the leadership is wary of a repeat, especially as the 2028 general elections approach.
However, as the party intensifies preparations for its internal elections, all eyes will be on the July 3 meeting to see how the NPP manages the delicate task of maintaining neutrality while keeping its presidential hopefuls in check.
