NPP to Proceed with National Delegates Conference on July 19 Despite Opposition

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana’s main opposition party, has officially declared its intention to proceed with the National Delegates Conference as scheduled on Saturday, July 19, 2025. This confirmation comes in the face of internal petitions and calls from some party members urging the postponement of the conference to allow more time to resolve pressing issues within the party.

On Monday, July 14, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council convened to thoroughly consider the petition requesting a delay. After careful deliberation, both governing bodies rejected the proposal to reschedule the event, emphasizing that extensive preparations had already been made, and that many commitments had been firmly secured to ensure the success of the conference.

Joseph Osei-Owusu, who chairs the Conference Planning Committee, officially announced the decision during a media briefing held after the National Council meeting.

“A petition was received requesting that the date of the conference be changed. After due consideration, the NEC resolved that the conference would proceed as planned. Given the thorough preparations and firm commitments already in place, we are moving forward with the conference on the scheduled date,” Mr. Osei-Owusu stated.

A Critical Conference with Significant Reforms on the Agenda

The upcoming delegates conference is widely seen as a pivotal moment for the NPP as it will address key constitutional reforms that are expected to reshape the party’s internal governance. Central to the agenda are proposed amendments emanating from the report of the Prof. Mike Oquaye Committee, a committee established to review and suggest improvements to the party’s constitution and operational structures.

In addition to the reforms stemming from the Oquaye Committee, the conference will also revisit a proposal originally introduced at the NPP’s 2019 Delegates Conference in Kumasi. That proposal was approved in principle but had yet to be formally adopted. The current conference offers an opportunity for delegates to finalize and ratify these long-pending reforms, an outcome the party’s leadership views as essential for strengthening the party moving forward.

Richard Ahiagbah, the NPP’s Director of Communications, spoke ahead of the conference about the importance of the reforms on the agenda. He emphasized that the constitutional amendments are designed to bolster the party’s organizational capacity and improve its readiness for future electoral contests, particularly with an eye on the 2028 general elections.

“The reforms package comprises recommendations from the Mike Oquaye Committee alongside submissions from party members. This comprehensive agenda is aimed at reinforcing our party’s structures and ensuring we remain competitive in the years ahead,” Mr. Ahiagbah explained.

Commitment to Unity Under the Theme “Rebuilding Together With Our Values”

The conference will convene under the unifying theme “Rebuilding Together With Our Values.” This theme reflects the party’s commitment to fostering unity and collective progress as it seeks to consolidate gains and prepare strategically for future challenges.

Despite some dissenting voices within the party advocating for a postponement to allow more time for dialogue and resolution of internal disputes, the NPP leadership maintains that moving forward as scheduled will help maintain momentum and showcase the party’s resolve to engage its members in critical reforms.

The decision to uphold the original date highlights the leadership’s belief that the time for reflection and consultation has been sufficient, and that the party is ready to focus on actionable outcomes at the conference.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Crucial Gathering

With the July 19 conference fast approaching, party officials are intensifying preparations to ensure that delegates have the necessary materials and support to engage meaningfully in discussions and decision-making processes. The leadership is urging all delegates to approach the conference with a spirit of openness and cooperation, emphasizing the need to prioritize the party’s long-term interests over individual differences.

The NPP’s willingness to press ahead with the conference despite calls for delay underscores its determination to renew its structures and policies ahead of the 2028 elections. Observers see the conference as a test of the party’s ability to unify and reform internally while positioning itself strongly against the ruling government.

As Ghana’s political landscape evolves, the outcome of the NPP’s National Delegates Conference will likely play a significant role in shaping the party’s trajectory and its appeal to the electorate in the coming years.