NPP bans flagbearer campaigning at 2025 national delegates conference

As preparations intensify for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2025 National Annual Delegates Conference, the party’s leadership has issued a strong directive prohibiting any form of flagbearer or internal campaign activity during the event.

The decision, which forms part of a wider effort to maintain unity and order, comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The conference, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, will take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

According to Joseph Osei-Wusu, Chair of the National Planning Committee, the ban on campaign-related materials and activities is a strict measure to protect the integrity and focus of the conference.

Zero Tolerance for Internal Campaigning

The directive specifically bans all campaign materials such as billboards, posters, flyers, T-shirts, and souvenirs featuring any aspirant’s name, image, or slogan.

The party’s Grounds and Operations Team has deployed compliance units to monitor and enforce the ban across the entire venue and within the Accra metropolis.

“All unauthorized campaign items will be confiscated and destroyed,” Osei-Wusu warned, adding that the ban applies before, during, and after the conference.

This marks one of the strictest restrictions the party has ever imposed on internal campaigning during a national gathering.

The move is widely seen as an attempt to avoid factional displays that could fuel division or disrupt the purpose of the conference.

Party Matters

Party officials insist the conference is not a political rally or campaign ground, but rather a platform to discuss internal party structures, review performance, and strategize ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“This is not the time for power play or popularity contests,” said an NPP insider. “It’s about reflection, organization, and recommitment to our collective goals.”

The leadership believes that enforcing neutrality at the event will help reinforce party cohesion and prevent tensions among competing camps vying for flagbearer positions.

Logistics, Health and Safety, and Security Tightened

With over 6,000 expected delegates and observers, the party has ramped up logistics, security, and health preparations.

The Health and Safety Committee has arranged for 10 medical stations, with 50 volunteer staff supported by the University of Ghana Medical Centre and the National Ambulance Service.

All participants will be required to observe COVID-19 protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing. Additionally, the inner perimeter of the stadium has been declared a restricted zone, accessible only to accredited individuals with specific assignments.

Security Coordination with State Agencies

The NPP’s internal security team is collaborating closely with the Ghana Police Service and other national security agencies.

All delegate hostels, food service points, and rest areas will be monitored. Security checkpoints will be set up at all entry gates, with each of Ghana’s 16 regions assigned specific gates for orderly screening.

Disruptive behavior or breaches of protocol will not be tolerated.

“Anyone caught flouting the rules will face arrest and possible prosecution,” Osei-Wusu cautioned.

Non-Delegates and Media Access Strictly Controlled

The party is urging non-delegates to stay away from the stadium and follow the proceedings via live television and online broadcasts.

There will be no access granted to individuals without accreditation, regardless of affiliation.

The Media Committee has established a Media Village and is offering live clean feeds for broadcasters, with setups to be completed 12 hours before kickoff.

Accreditation badges for media personnel will be available on Friday, July 18.

The 2025 National Delegates Conference, if executed as planned, could signal the NPP’s intent to maintain firm control over its internal processes and present a united front in the political battles to come.