Some key members of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has released comprehensive protocol measures governing its Presidential Primary scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, with the party emphasizing transparency, order, and strict compliance with electoral rules.
In a statement issued on January 26, 2026, and signed by William Yamoah, Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee, the party said the guidelines were developed following extensive consultations and feedback from stakeholders.
“The Presidential Elections Committee would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all Presidential Candidate Aspirants, stakeholders, and the public for the invaluable feedback and collaborative efforts throughout this process,” the statement noted.
According to the NPP, the Electoral Commission (EC) has been given full authority over the conduct of the election, while security responsibilities rest solely with the Ghana Police Service.
“The Committee has entrusted the entire electoral process into the hands of the Electoral Commission, which shall have the responsibility of ensuring a transparent, fair, and unfettered election,” the statement said.
The party further clarified that only accredited party actors—including delegates, committee members, aspirants, and their agents—will be allowed beyond security perimeters, stressing that no observer accreditation will be conducted.
On voting procedures, the NPP announced that voting will be conducted strictly as a walk-in process, with voting scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
“There will be no congregation on the day of voting, and voting shall be strictly a walk-in affair as pertains to the national election,” the Committee stated.
The party also issued firm warnings against electoral misconduct, particularly the display or photographing of ballots.
“It is strictly prohibited to publicly display cast ballots, capture images of them, and make gestures to show whom one voted for,” the statement warned, adding that offenders “shall be arrested, and his or her vote shall be declared as a spoilt or rejected ballot.”
In a move aimed at reducing undue influence, the NPP announced a suspension of all regional programs involving delegates from Thursday, January 29, 2026, until the end of voting.
“All Regional Executive Committees are kindly requested to suspend any previously planned programs… or any events involving delegates in-house holding,” the statement directed.
The Committee also barred political messaging on voting day, stating clearly that no senior party officials or aspirants would be allowed to address delegates or the public.
“On the day of the voting, no National Party Executive, former Government Official, Regional Party Executive, aspirant, or their representative shall be allowed to address delegates or the public.”
To safeguard the secrecy of the ballot, delegates will not be permitted to carry phones or other electronic gadgets to the voting screen, a rule that will be enforced jointly by the EC and the Police.
“The Electoral Commission and the Police shall enforce and adhere to restricting delegates from taking their phones and other electronic photographic gadgets to the voting screen,” the Committee stated.
The statement further emphasized that ballots will be issued one delegate at a time, and that no individual who has voted will be re-admitted into the voting perimeter.
The Presidential Elections Committee reaffirmed its commitment to a credible electoral process.
“We assure Presidential Candidate Aspirants, delegates, and the public of our unwavering commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible, and transparent elections,” the statement assured.
The PEC further called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with election officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful primary.
HIGHLIGHTS OF KEY PROTOCOL MEASURES FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
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