The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is confronting a potential internal crisis as a group of its Constituency Executives based abroad threatens legal action
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is confronting a potential internal crisis as a group of its Constituency Executives based abroad threatens legal action over the denial of proxy voting rights in the party’s forthcoming presidential primaries.
The ultimatum, delivered through a formal petition to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), accuses the leadership of violating both the spirit and letter of the NPP Constitution, setting the stage for a dispute that could embroil the party in court just weeks before its internal elections.
The petition, signed by dozens of executives temporarily domiciled overseas for study, work, or other obligations, cites Article 25(1)(b) of the NPP Constitution, which permits registered voters who are “absent from the constituency and will be unable to vote on polling day” to apply for a proxy.
According to the group, the NEC’s current position of not facilitating proxy voting for members abroad constitutes “unconstitutional disenfranchisement.”
A source close to the diaspora executives, who requested anonymity, revealed that legal counsel has already been engaged.
“If the NEC fails to act on this petition, our next step will be the courts. We will seek an injunction to enforce our constitutional rights. We have contributed too much to this party to be silenced so casually,” the source said.
The timing of the dispute puts the NPP leadership in a delicate position. Granting proxy voting could be perceived as yielding to pressure, potentially affecting the dynamics of the primary race.
Conversely, refusing the request risks a public legal confrontation that could undermine the party’s image as a champion of internal democracy and the rule of law.
Political analysts warn that the matter has implications beyond procedural disputes.
The petition also emphasizes strategic and financial considerations.
As a party in opposition, the NPP relies heavily on the efficient use of resources.
The executives argue that requiring members abroad to travel to Ghana for a single vote—often at costs running into hundreds or thousands of dollars—diverts funds from critical grassroots mobilization, youth empowerment, and regional campaign activities ahead of the 2028 general elections. Allowing proxy voting, the petition states, is not only constitutionally justified but financially prudent.
In the letter to the General Secretary, the executives requested:
1. That all constituency executives abroad be permitted to vote via the constitutionally recognized proxy system.
2. Clear procedural guidelines be issued to facilitate the proxy process.
3. Support from constituency and regional secretariats in processing proxy documentation.
”In this decisive chapter of the Party’s journey back to government, our collective strength must come from unity, fairness, and the full mobilisation of every loyal Party member. Upholding proxy voting for executives abroad is not only a matter of constitutional fidelity—it is a demonstration of responsible leadership, financial prudence, and respect for the mandate given to each of us by our constituencies. Allowing proxy voting ensures that no executive is silenced by circumstance or distance and reaffirms the NPP’s legacy as a Party that respects every voice, values every vote, and remains committed to winning power through democratic integrity”, the group said in the petition.
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