Accra: Member of Parliament for Akwapim North, Sammi Awuku, has revealed that former Vice President and flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has serious concerns regarding recent decisions by the NPP Presidential Election Committee ahead of the party's presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026. Speaking on Adom TV, Awuku detailed that Dr Bawumia believes some of the committee's decisions have not created a level playing field for all the aspirants.
According to Ghana Web, the main concern raised by Dr Bawumia revolves around the committee's decision to ban proxy voting during the presidential primary. Awuku noted that this decision has disenfranchised hundreds of Bawumia supporters in the diaspora, undermining the influence of overseas NPP branches where Bawumia previously had significant support, as evidenced by the diaspora vote in 2023.
The ban on proxy voting has sparked broader concerns within the party, especially among members abroad and students, who argue that it prevents them from participating in the primary. These groups have petitioned the election committee to reconsider the ban, emphasizing the importance of accommodating the party's international members who are unable to vote in person.
However, Joe Osei Owusu, Chairman of the NPP Presidential Election Committee, has rejected these petitions, maintaining that the restriction is necessary to ensure the credibility and smooth conduct of the elections. He asserts that in-person voting remains the most reliable system for transparency in a highly competitive contest.
The NPP presidential primary features five aspirants: former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Abetifi Dr Bryan Acheampong, and former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong.