The Alliance for Footsoldiers Advocacy (AFFA), a group dedicated to strengthening the grassroots of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has formally proposed significant amendments to the party’s constitution. These proposed changes primarily target the NPP’s internal electoral system and governance framework, aiming to enhance inclusivity, promote meritocracy, and bolster the party’s overall effectiveness. AFFA’s proposals reflect a strong conviction that a more decentralized and representative structure is crucial to the NPP’s future success, allowing for wider participation and greater accountability within the party ranks. The proposed amendments, if adopted, could significantly reshape the NPP’s internal landscape.
Central to AFFA’s recommendations is the expansion of the party’s electoral college at various levels. The group advocates for increasing the number of Polling Station officers from the current five to eleven, thereby broadening the base of electoral representation at the most fundamental level of the party structure. This expansion, according to AFFA, will ensure greater engagement and ownership among party members at the grassroots level. Further, AFFA proposes replacing the single Electoral Area Coordinator position with a five-member committee. This shift aims to distribute responsibilities, foster collaboration, and ensure a more comprehensive approach to electoral mobilization within each area. Expanding the number of individuals involved in electoral processes is a recurring theme in AFFA’s proposals, reflecting the group’s emphasis on broader participation and collective decision-making.
AFFA also suggests a substantial increase in the size of constituency executives, from the current 17 members to 31. This proposed expansion seeks to create a more representative and inclusive leadership structure within each constituency, allowing for wider representation of diverse perspectives and interests. By increasing the number of constituency executives, AFFA aims to create a more robust and effective leadership team capable of addressing the complex challenges facing the party at the local level. This expansion, coupled with the proposed changes at the polling station and electoral area levels, would represent a significant overhaul of the NPP’s organizational structure.
Beyond the expansion of electoral bodies, AFFA proposes a critical revision of Article 7(5) of the NPP constitution. This article deals with appointed positions within the party structure. While advocating for the inclusion of additional appointed offices, AFFA simultaneously recommends removing the Communication Officer role from the list of appointed positions and making it an elective position. This recommendation stems from AFFA’s concern that appointing Communication Officers fosters favoritism and undermines the selection of qualified and competent individuals based on merit. By making the position elective, AFFA believes the party can ensure greater accountability and competence within its communication apparatus.
AFFA argues that an elected Communication Officer would be more responsive to the needs and priorities of the party’s membership, as their position would depend on the support of the electorate. This accountability, according to AFFA, is crucial for ensuring effective communication and outreach, which are essential for the party’s electoral success. The shift from appointment to election for this crucial role reflects AFFA’s commitment to promoting meritocracy and transparency within the party’s internal processes. This particular proposal could generate considerable debate within the NPP, as it touches on the sensitive issue of power dynamics within the party.
The submission of these proposed amendments follows an earlier call by the NPP’s General Secretary, issued on April 25, 2025, inviting party members and affiliated groups to contribute to the constitutional reform process. This open invitation reflects a commitment within the NPP to review and update its internal mechanisms and structures. AFFA’s proposals are expected to be among those considered at the NPP’s Annual Delegates Conference scheduled for July 2025. At this conference, the proposed amendments will be subject to debate and voting by party delegates. The outcome of these deliberations will determine the extent to which AFFA’s vision for a more inclusive and representative NPP will be realized. The conference holds significant implications for the future direction of the party and its internal dynamics.
