Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Frimpong
Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Frimpong, has expressed strong opposition to a proposal suggesting that the party should elect its flagbearer before holding elections for other internal positions ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In an open letter to the National Chairman and the General Secretary of the party, Frimpong argued that this approach contradicts the NPP’s democratic traditions and threatens its grassroots foundation.
Undermining grassroots participation
“The strength of the NPP lies in its vibrant and committed base, starting from the polling stations, through the electoral areas, constituencies, regions, and up to the national level,” Frimpong stated.
“Electing a flagbearer first reverses this structure and effectively sidelines the voice of the grassroots, weakening the democratic spirit that underpins the NPP’s core principles.”
Risk of imposed leadership
Frimpong warned that electing a flagbearer before party structures are fully formed or renewed could lead to favouritism, manipulation, and the potential imposition of preferred candidates on the rank-and-file.
“This top-down method creates a power imbalance, where the chosen flagbearer may unduly influence the selection of party executives at all other levels,” he said.
Conflicts of interest and internal disunity
The NPP has historically avoided internal strife by rebuilding its structures before choosing a flagbearer. Frimpong believes that reversing this order could deepen factionalism within the party, as aspirants may attempt to install loyalists across various levels.
Institutional precedent matters
Frimpong emphasised the importance of maintaining the party’s traditional approach, which prioritises internal organisation before presidential ambitions.
“Our electoral tradition has always prioritised party organisation before presidential ambitions,” he said.
“Changing the process arbitrarily could set a dangerous precedent where party rules are bent for political convenience.”
Call to action
Kwabena Frimpong urged the party to uphold its tradition of bottom-up leadership selection, citing the NPP’s four presidential electoral victories since 1992.
“Let us continue to build the party from the grassroots, strong, united, and prepared for the 2028 elections—before we choose our next flagbearer,” he said.
“No one begins building a house by installing the roof before laying the foundation. To construct a solid house, you must start from the ground up, not top-down,” Frimpong stated.
This stance comes amid speculation about the party’s future leadership, with some supporters backing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2028 elections.
A recent poll showed that 57% of NPP supporters prefer Dr. Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer for 2028. However, others, such as Kennedy Agyapong and Bryan Acheampong, are also considering contesting the flagbearer position.
