Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament and representative for the Suame constituency, has voiced concerns over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) delegate system, echoing widespread calls from the party’s grassroots for a complete overhaul. He argues that the current system, which limits voting rights to a select group of delegates for the selection of party leaders and candidates, has become excessively monetized, leading to disillusionment and apathy among the broader party membership. This critique stems from a fact-finding mission he led in the Ashanti region following the 2020 elections, where interviews with party officials, supporters, and sympathizers consistently revealed a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the existing delegate structure.
The core issue lies in the perception that the delegate system has been hijacked by monetary influences, transforming it into a mechanism for personal enrichment rather than a democratic process. This “money-making machine,” as described by Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, fosters divisions and polarization within the party, eroding its image and undermining its internal cohesion. The pervasive influence of money not only discourages genuine participation but also raises concerns about the integrity of the selection process, potentially favoring candidates with greater financial resources over those with stronger leadership qualities or broader popular support.
The grassroots demand for reform centers around expanding the voting franchise to include all registered NPP members. This proposal aims to democratize the party’s internal elections and create a more inclusive system where every member’s voice contributes to the selection of leaders and candidates, from the polling station level all the way to the national level. This bottom-up approach, according to proponents, would revitalize the party by empowering the grassroots and fostering a stronger sense of ownership among the rank and file.
This call for reform transcends the election of party executives and extends to the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasizes the need for a comprehensive overhaul that addresses the entire electoral process within the party. By opening up the selection of candidates to the broader membership, the NPP could potentially mitigate the undue influence of money and ensure that the chosen representatives genuinely reflect the will of the party base. This move could also incentivize candidates to focus on building genuine grassroots support rather than relying primarily on financial inducements.
The current system, as it stands, is perceived as detrimental to the party’s long-term health and electoral prospects. The prevailing sentiment, as captured by Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s report, is that the current system is unsustainable and risks further alienating its members. The growing apathy fueled by the monetization of the delegate system not only weakens the party’s internal democratic processes but also potentially impacts its ability to mobilize support during national elections.
Therefore, the call for reform represents a crucial juncture for the NPP. Addressing these concerns and implementing a more inclusive and transparent system is seen as essential for revitalizing the party, fostering unity, and strengthening its connection with the grassroots. Failing to heed these calls could further exacerbate existing divisions and undermine the party’s ability to effectively compete in future elections. The future of the NPP, according to many within its ranks, hinges on its willingness to embrace meaningful internal reform and restore trust in its democratic processes.
