Takoradi: The Western Regional Appeals Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has affirmed the disqualification of former Ellembelle District Chief Executive (DCE), Kwasi Bonzoh, from contesting the position of Regional Secretary in the party's 2026 Western Regional Executive Elections.
According to Ghana Web, the Committee delivered its decision on Saturday, July 25, 2026, after hearing a petition filed by Kwasi Bonzoh on July 22, 2026, challenging his disqualification by the Vetting Committee. Bonzoh had submitted several documents, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration from Nobel International Business School, an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) admission letter, and a University of Ghana transcript, to argue his eligibility based on higher academic qualifications.
The Committee reviewed Rule 16(f) of the party's Rules and Regulations, which requires applicants for the Regional Secretary position to have at least a degree or higher qualification. Bonzoh's nomination form indicated an incomplete BSc. Administration, and his University of Ghana transcript lacked complete results. The Committee concluded that Bonzoh did not meet the requirement of possessing a Degree Certificate or Higher Qualification.
While the Committee recognized that a Postgraduate Certificate might suffice as a higher learning certificate, it ruled that it could not modify the Vetting Committee's decision due to the end of its mandate and impractical timelines for verification. Consequently, the initial disqualification decision was upheld.
Philip Kwesi Nkrumah Esq., providing a distinct opinion, concurred with the decision, emphasizing that the aspirant bears the burden of proof to demonstrate their qualification. He noted that Bonzoh did not declare a higher educational qualification on his nomination form, making it unjust to accept the documents as new evidence.
The decision, signed by Philip Kwesi Nkrumah Esq., Akpene Darko-Cobbinah Esq., and Emily Akua Afriyie Mensah Esq., confirms that the NPP Western Regional Executive Election will proceed on August 16, 2026, without Bonzoh as a candidate.