NPP National Delegates Conference: Bawumia Urges Unity as Party Adopts Constitutional Amendments for 2028 Rebound

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) convened its National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, marking a significant step in its efforts to reorganise following the 2024 general election defeat. Over 7,000 delegates from across Ghana's 16 regions gathered to elect new national executives and vote on critical constitutional changes. Addressing the assembly, the party's 2028 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, described the event as the start of a "glorious chapter," urging all 46 candidates contesting nine national positions to accept the results in good faith and unite behind the new leadership to reclaim power in the next election cycle.

In a landmark move, delegates approved 14 motions to amend the party's constitution, significantly altering the NPP's leadership structure. The most notable amendment designates the party's elected presidential candidate as the official leader of the party, a role that reverts to the National Chairman only when a flagbearer is not in place. Furthermore, the amendments reinstate the President as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) when the party is in government and introduce new roles, including an Information Communications Director. The conference also saw a high-stakes alliance as chairmanship aspirant Sammy Crabbe backed former General Secretary John Boadu in a last-minute show of unity, though Crabbe remained on the ballot.

The event was attended by high-ranking party figures, including former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the latter of whom delivered a virtual address. Kufuor urged delegates to select leaders based on visionary qualities rather than rhetoric, emphasizing that the party must restore public confidence to provide an effective alternative to the current administration. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin echoed these sentiments, calling on members to hold President John Mahama’s government accountable without fear of intimidation, while highlighting the need for the NPP to present a credible vision that addresses the challenges currently facing Ghanaians.

Despite the spirit of reorganisation, the conference faced several logistical and safety challenges. A delegation from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Deputy National Women’s Organiser Dzifa Tsegah, walked out of the event after waiting five hours for proceedings to begin, citing poor communication and significant delays. NPP Master of Ceremonies Anthony Karbo expressed disappointment at the NDC's early exit, noting that the delays were part of necessary internal processes. Additionally, at least three individuals were injured in a stampede at the stadium gates, and a billboard featuring chairmanship aspirant Boakye Agyarko collapsed, damaging four vehicles; however, no fatalities were reported.

As the counting of ballots concludes the conference, the NPP moves forward with a refined organisational framework designed to enhance electoral readiness for 2028. The newly elected national executives face the immediate task of healing internal divides and rebuilding trust with a disillusioned electorate. With the constitutional amendments now in effect and a clear leadership mandate for Dr. Bawumia, the party leadership insists that the Kumasi conference has laid the groundwork for a unified and disciplined front capable of challenging the NDC in the years ahead.