Kofi Ofosu Nkansah: NPP must abolish delegate system to reclaim power

Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has strongly advocated for the abolition of the delegate system within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Nkansah’s call for reform comes amid growing dissatisfaction among ordinary party members who feel disconnected from the party’s decision-making process. According to Nkansah, if the NPP hopes to regain power, it must overhaul its internal electoral structure to better include and represent its grassroots supporters.

In a post shared on social media on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Nkansah recounted a conversation with a disillusioned NPP member. The individual expressed frustration over the current system, highlighting the disparity between party elites and ordinary members. The delegate in question reportedly enjoyed numerous perks, including cash, gifts like a fridge and Christmas packages, as well as access to exclusive benefits such as a security services slot. The party member’s frustration stemmed from the perception that only a select few within the party were reaping the rewards, while the majority of members were left out and unappreciated.

This sentiment, according to Nkansah, is indicative of a broader issue within the NPP. He emphasized that when a small group of delegates enjoys privileges while the general membership struggles, it fosters resentment and erodes trust within the party. He further argued that the system’s exclusive nature undermines the NPP’s unity, creating an environment of favoritism that alienates grassroots supporters.

Nkansah’s post underscored his belief that the delegate system is a significant barrier to the party’s progress. “If we don’t abolish this delegate system for good, then we are not serious about getting back power,” he stated. According to him, the party must act quickly to reform its internal processes if it is to reconnect with ordinary members and foster a sense of inclusion and fairness. His comments reflect growing concerns that the current electoral structure weakens the NPP’s foundations, as it distances the leadership from the people it aims to represent.

Nkansah’s call for change comes in the wake of the NPP’s loss in the 2024 general elections, a defeat that saw former President John Dramani Mahama return to office with a commanding margin of over 1.6 million votes. This electoral setback has led many within the party to scrutinize its internal mechanisms, with many questioning whether the delegate system played a role in the NPP’s failure to connect with voters. Party insiders have increasingly raised concerns about the party’s structure and how it contributes to internal divisions and disengagement among ordinary supporters.

Over time, the NPP’s delegate system has faced criticism from various quarters, with many arguing that it fosters elitism within the party. Critics claim that the system grants too much power to a small group of delegates who determine the party’s leadership, often without regard for the broader party membership. As a result, ordinary members feel sidelined and disconnected from the party’s decision-making process, leading to feelings of discontent and frustration.

Nkansah’s comments highlight the need for a more inclusive and transparent electoral process, one that empowers all party members, not just a select few. He argues that by maintaining the delegate system, the NPP risks perpetuating a culture of favoritism that will only further alienate its base. As the party seeks to recover from its electoral defeat, Nkansah’s call for reform resonates with many within the party who are eager to see changes that will strengthen the NPP’s democratic processes.

The NPP is now at a critical juncture, as it must address these internal issues if it hopes to regain power in future elections. Nkansah’s remarks reflect the growing urgency for reform, with many party members believing that a more transparent and inclusive structure is key to the party’s success. Abolishing the delegate system, according to Nkansah, would not only make the party more democratic but also ensure that all members feel valued and heard within the organization.

As the NPP looks to rebuild and regroup following its 2024 electoral defeat, the pressure is mounting on its leadership to take bold steps toward reform. Nkansah’s call for change highlights the growing frustration within the party’s ranks, signaling that the time for internal reform is now if the NPP is to regain the trust and support of its base.