The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has announced that the four candidates vying for the flagbearer position have signed an agreement barring any candidate from breaking away from the party after the November 4 primaries.
He made this known after a meeting by the NPP National Council of Elders held on November 2, 2023, that saw two main contenders, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, exchange pleasantries.
Mr Frimpong Kodua revealed that the candidates; Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Agric Minister, Dr Owusu Akoto Afriyie, former MP for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh, have signed an agreement stating that following the primaries, “candidates will accept election primary results, promote peace and cohesion.”
“In the event that they don’t win, they will not resign from the party. They will support the winner of the election primary. Ensure and enforce mechanisms established by the party and also to work within the timelines and durations that has been established by the party from now till the results are declared and to respect the decision by the delegate of our party,” he added.
This initiative is believed to be a lesson learnt by the ruling party after the exit of its former presidential aspirant and former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.
On September 25, 2023, Mr Kyerematen announced his decision to break away from the party and run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Prior to this, on September 5, he declared his withdrawal from the presidential race, citing reasons such as electoral irregularities, unfair treatment, and bias during the super delegates’ conference held on August 26, 2023.
During the August 2023 Special Delegates conference, Alan secured a third-place position with fewer than 100 votes out of the total of over 900 votes.
On the matter, Mr Frimpong Kodua noted that the party had lost a great personality and was disappointed by the fact that Mr Kyerematen did not inform the leadership of the party of his decision before making his decision public.
Now ahead of the race, there have been speculations that one of the candidates, Kennedy Agyapong, who has faced off with some members of the party during his campaign, will exit the party should he not be elected flagbearer.
But the Assin Central MP has refuted this claim.
Over 208,000 delegates will cast their votes in all 270 constituencies across the country to choose one candidate from among the four aspirants.
The delegates, who constitute the Electoral College, include Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, ministers and their deputies, founding members of the NPP, members of the party’s National Council, as well as patrons and council of elders.
The voting centres for the primaries include: Western Sekondi Gyandu Park (Sekondi), Central Cape Coast South Robert Mensah Stadium, Korley Klottey YMCA (Greater Accra), Mawuli Senior High School (Volta Ho Central), SEC/TEC SCH ( Eastern New Juaben South, Koforidua), ST. Louis College of Education (Ashanti Manhyia South), John Bitar Club House Dwinasen 1 (Western North Sefwi Wiawso), Presby Primary A&B Goaso (Ahafo Asunafo North).
The others are: Bono Sunyani West Odomaseman SHS (Odomase), Bono East Techiman South S.D.A Primary School (Techiman), Dambai Training College (Oti Krachi East), Central Jubilee Park (Northern Tamale), Savannah Damongo Community Center (Damongo), Wa Technical School (Upper West Wa Municipal), North East Nalerigu-Gambaga Zobzia Primary School (Gambaga) and House of Chiefs (Upper East Bolgatanga Central)
Mr Justin Frimpong Kodua has confirmed that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure a smooth and successful electoral process on Saturday.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, November 1, he mentioned that the NPP fully supports the Ghana Police Service in providing robust security for the election, with no interference or hindrance.
“And I also indicated our fullest support to the Ghana Police Service, that on Saturday they are in charge, they are supposed to make sure there is maximum security in and around where the voting will be taking place in all the 277 centers that we are going to have the election. On that day, I have also given them the assurance that as a party we will comport ourselves very well, and nobody even from the presidency to the national party will have the right to interfere with the work that will be done by the Electoral Commission or the Ghana Police Service.”
He added that, “Anyone who makes any attempt to cause any havoc or chaos there should be arrested by the Ghana Police Service. So, I am sure that the police will be up to the task and we are looking forward to have a very successful primary on Saturday.”
The General Secretary explained that all concerns related to the delegates’ album or register have been resolved, and all the aspirants are content with the resolution.
While aspirants have faced accusations of attempting to influence delegates through monetary means, they have consistently denied these claims, asserting that the funds are primarily provided to delegates for their transportation and meals.
Nonetheless, the General Secretary of the party has stated that anyone found engaging in any form of inducement at the voting locations will be handed over to the police. He underscored that the winner of the election will be determined by merit rather than financial influence.
“Some people will also be disappointed because I don’t know how about 203,00 delegates, as aspirant will be able to give maybe 200 cedis or 300 cedis to each of them. I believe the election on Saturday will be determined based on merit, based on the people’s perception and how an aspirant has been able to sell his message to the delegates. I don’t think ‘monecracy will play any role on Saturday. Our focus is to have a transparent election, and I can assure you money will not determine who will win the election.”
