The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has amended its constitution so that its flagbearer becomes the party’s leader when it is in opposition.
The change was approved by 7,163 delegates attending the party’s meeting at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. It also establishes that the President will lead the NPP whenever the party is in government.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s current flagbearer and former Vice President of Ghana, therefore becomes the party’s leader under the amended constitution.
The decision was one of several proposed changes approved by delegates.
Changes to the party’s structure
The amendment reverses the January clause that made the National Chairman the party’s leader at all times. Under the new arrangement, leadership will depend on whether the NPP is in opposition or in government.
Delegates also approved changes to the election of vice-chairpersons. Previously, all candidates contested the position of 1st Vice Chairperson, with the number of votes determining who ranked first, second or third.
Under the new system, candidates must declare in advance which specific Vice Chairperson position they are seeking before voting takes place.
The party will also be able to appoint three additional Vice Chairpersons who will not be required to contest elections. Further Vice Chairperson positions will be created at national, regional and constituency levels.
Communications and executive positions
The constitutional changes provide for the creation of Deputy Communications Officer positions at national level, as well as deputy communications roles in regional and constituency structures.
The position of IT Officer has been upgraded to an executive role. IT Officers will also be added to the executive structures at regional and constituency levels.
Another approved amendment restores the President’s place on the National Steering Committee.
Delegates further agreed to widen participation in the party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries. All members holding party cards will be allowed to participate as delegates in those contests.
The NPP’s constitutional amendments were approved at the gathering in Kumasi.
Credit: With files from Meta AI
