The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has strongly advocated for the abolishment of the delegate system in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) if the party hopes to reclaim power in future elections.
In a thought-provoking social media post on Thursday, January 9, Mr. Nkansah expressed concerns over the widening gap between the party’s leadership and its grassroots supporters, warning that the current system fosters disenchantment among ordinary members. His call for reforms follows the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, which saw former President John Dramani Mahama secure victory with a resounding margin of over 1.6 million votes.
Mr. Nkansah recounted an encounter with a disgruntled party member who questioned the relevance of supporting the NPP when party benefits appear to be reserved for a privileged few.
“A colleague party member who is a delegate got cash, a fridge, and an annual Christmas package. He also secured a job in the security services. I didn’t get any of these, so why should I continue to vote for the party when only a few people are enjoying?” the individual reportedly lamented.
This scenario, according to Mr. Nkansah, underscores the deep-seated frustrations brewing within the party’s base. He emphasized that the delegate system, which grants a selected group the power to determine party leadership, has resulted in a culture of favoritism, exclusivity, and a lack of accountability to the broader membership.
“If we don’t abolish this delegate system for good, then we are not serious about getting back power,” he stressed, urging party executives to prioritize structural reforms that will restore confidence and inclusivity within the NPP.
The call for reform aligns with growing concerns among NPP insiders who argue that the current internal electoral system has contributed to disunity and weakened the party’s appeal. Political analysts also point to the delegate system as a key factor in the internal divisions that affected the party’s electoral performance in 2024.
Some party members have suggested transitioning to a more inclusive voting process, where all card-bearing NPP members can participate in the selection of leaders. This, they argue, would ensure broader representation, minimize the influence of money in internal elections, and reinvigorate the party’s grassroots support.
As the NPP navigates its post-election reflections, the question remains: will the leadership heed these calls for reform, or will the party continue with a system that many believe alienates its base? The answer could determine the party’s prospects in the next electoral cycle.
