Accra: Several members and groups within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have proposed sweeping amendments to the party's constitution ahead of its National Delegates Conference scheduled for September 19, 2026. The proposals, contained in a compilation submitted for consideration by the party's constitutional review process, seek changes to the party's leadership structure, electoral colleges, grassroots organisation, diaspora participation, and special organs.
According to Ghana Web, a recurring theme among the proposals is the need to make the NPP more inclusive while strengthening its structures from the grassroots to the national level. One of the prominent proposals seeks to increase the number of National Vice-Chairpersons from three to six, with three elected and three appointed. Supporters argue that the expansion would enhance the National Chairperson's capacity to delegate responsibilities while improving coordination and representation across Ghana's 16 regions. The proposal states that the additional positions would help the party achieve 'geographical, ethnic, religious, and gender balance' and improve its ability to respond to issues at the regional and constituency levels.
Another proposal seeks to clearly define who should lead the party at different stages of its political cycle. Under the proposed arrangement, the Presidential Candidate would become the Leader of the Party, while the National Chairperson would act as leader when the party is in opposition before a Presidential Candidate is elected. In government, the sitting President would act as party leader until a Presidential Candidate is elected, after which the candidate would assume the role. This arrangement aims to prevent 'parallel centers of power, internal friction, confusion in messaging, or weakened governance.'
A separate proposal has called for former NPP executives and former Members of Parliament to retain voting rights in the party's internal elections, provided they remain members in good standing. The proponents argue that excluding such persons results in the 'marginalization of experience' and can create 'post-office apathy' and internal divisions. Under the proposed amendment, former officials would become automatic members of the relevant electoral colleges and would be allowed to vote in constituency, regional, national executive, and presidential primary elections.
Another major proposal seeks the creation of a National Christian Wing as a special organ of the NPP, structured similarly to the existing National Nasara Wing. Submitted by Offinso North MP Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the proposal aims to establish Christian Organisers at various levels without preferring one faith community over another. The proposal seeks to complete the Party's mobilisation architecture, strengthen interfaith confidence, and ensure accountable engagement across its national coalition.
The Young Executive Forum (YEF) also seeks formal recognition as a special organ of the party, with voting rights at the National Delegates Conference. The YEF, which was recognised in earlier versions of the NPP Constitution, argues that it deserves to participate in the election of Party leaders due to its contributions in policy development, fundraising, leadership development, and political research.
Mampong MP Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong has proposed that the Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON) be integrated into constituency party structures. This integration would involve TESCON branches affiliating with constituency parties and the TESCON President serving as an ex-officio member of the Constituency Executive Committee. The proposal argues that TESCON's integration would help create a structured transition from campus politics into grassroots party organisation.
The NPP External Branches Caucus, representing 30 external branches, has proposed changes to the party's treatment of its overseas structures, including voting rights for serving chapter executives and increased representation on the National Council and National Executive Committee. The caucus says its proposals would give external branches 'a clear organisational structure befitting their scale and contribution.'
Other proposals include extending voting rights to permanent NPP headquarters staff, recognising IT officers within the party's executive structures, and creating deputy communications positions at regional and constituency levels. These proposals aim to improve morale, efficiency, accountability, and the party's preparedness for elections.
The various proposals will undergo the appropriate constitutional review processes before being considered by delegates. Amendments require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of delegates present at the National Delegates Conference. If adopted, the proposed reforms could significantly reshape how the NPP is organised, how its leaders are selected, and how different categories of members participate in the party's decision-making process.