By Issah Olegor
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially set the stage for its 2026 internal elections, announcing a structured, multi-level electoral process that will see party executives elected from the polling station level to the national level.
The party has revealed that the nomination fee for aspiring National Chairperson is GH¢50,000, while Vice Chairpersons are required to pay GH¢30,000, and the General Secretary GH¢25,000.
All other national officer positions attract a fee of GH¢10,000, with special wings such as Nasara, Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) set at GH¢8,000.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to reform the party’s internal structures, following the recommendations of the Oquaye Election Review Committee.
The committee’s findings on the NPP’s 2024 electoral performance highlighted weaknesses in the delegate system and internal organizational structures, prompting party leaders to introduce comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening democratic processes, discipline, and transparency within the party.
Historical Context
Over the years, the NPP has faced criticism over the credibility of its internal elections, with reports of factionalism, influence by powerful party figures, and irregularities at polling station levels.
In response, the party has introduced strict rules and regulations governing nominations, elections, vetting, and appeals at all levels. Party officials emphasize that these reforms are critical to rebuilding the organization, ensuring merit-based leadership, and positioning the party for victory in the 2028 general elections.
The party’s internal elections will follow a multi-tiered process. Registration of members, a prerequisite for eligibility, will take place from 1st to 31st March 2026 at the respective polling stations where members ordinarily cast ballots in national elections.
Only members whose details are recorded in the official polling station register and who are in good standing will be eligible to vote or contest positions, a move designed to enhance accuracy and transparency.
Polling Station Positions And Fees
At the grassroots level, elections will be held for the following positions: Polling Station Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Electoral Affairs Officer, and Communications Officer. Nomination forms for polling station positions can be purchased for GH¢10 and must be supported by one nominator and two seconders from the same polling station. Polling station elections are scheduled to take place between 10th and 16th May 2026, with strict oversight by constituency and regional committees.
Electoral Area And Constituency Positions
The next tier involves the election of Electoral Area Executives, including Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Electoral Affairs Officer, and Communications Officer. Nominations for these positions will cost GH¢50, and aspirants must be seconded by three registered party members within the area.
The Electoral Area elections will take place between 10th and 15th June 2026.
Constituency Executive elections follow, with positions including Constituency Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairpersons, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Nasara Organiser, and Communications Officer.
Nomination fees range from GH¢500 for most positions to GH¢1,500 for Constituency Chairpersons, with elections scheduled for 11th to 12th July 2026.
The Electoral College for these elections comprises the Constituency Executive, Electoral Area Executives, polling station executives, and selected elders, patrons, founding members, and national and regional officers.
Regional Executive Positions
Regional elections cover positions such as Regional Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairpersons, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Nasara Organiser, and Communications Officer. Nomination fees for regional positions are higher, with GH¢10,000 for Chairpersons, GH¢8,000 for Vice Chairpersons, and GH¢5,000 for all other positions.
Elections at this level will take place from 8th to 9th August 2026, following vetting and appeals processes conducted by regional committees under supervision from the National Secretariat.
National Officers And The GH¢50,000 Chairmanship Fee
At the national level, elections will be conducted for the National Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, General Secretary, and other national officer positions. The steep GH¢50,000 nomination fee for the National Chairmanship has drawn attention, with party officials defending it as necessary to ensure serious candidates and support for the electoral process. Vice Chairpersons and the General Secretary must pay GH¢30,000 and GH¢25,000 respectively, while all other national officer positions carry a fee of GH¢10,000. Special wings are set at GH¢8,000.
The National Officers elections will be conducted at a National Delegates Conference, with a structured vetting process and appeals mechanisms to ensure fairness. Aspirants and their supporters are bound by a strict code of conduct that prohibits personal attacks, unverified allegations, and actions that could polarize members along tribal, religious, or factional lines.
Timeline And Oversight
The 2026 internal elections will unfold over several months, starting with member registration in March and concluding with national officer elections in September.
The process includes data entry, verification, nomination filing, vetting, appeals, notice of poll, and election days. Oversight is provided at all levels by constituency, regional, and national committees, ensuring adherence to party regulations and electoral integrity.
Looking Forward
The detailed rules, multi-level electoral structure, and significant nomination fees reflect the NPP’s commitment to conducting transparent, merit-based, and well-organized internal elections.
