The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expanded its Electoral College for the selection of its presidential candidate, following the approval of a key constitutional amendment during its National Annual Delegates Conference held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium.

The amendment, introduced by the party’s Constitution Amendment Committee, is part of efforts to broaden internal democracy and ensure wider participation in the party’s internal elections. Frank Davies, Chairman of the Committee, announced that the proposal to expand the Electoral College had been adopted by delegates at the conference. He noted that the expanded structure will be used when the party elects its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

“Whereas the National Council of the party has, pursuant to Article 13(1) of the constitution, scheduled January 31, 2026, as the date to elect the party’s 2028 presidential candidate,” Mr Davies told delegates, “the National Annual Delegates Conference has adopted an amendment to expand the Electoral College for this purpose.”

The amendment redefines who can vote in the party’s presidential primaries, bringing in a wider range of members who have served in various leadership and representative roles over the years. 

The new electoral college structure includes members of the National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives, National Council of Elders, National Patrons, all past National Directors, sitting and past MPs, TESCON representatives from each recognised tertiary institution, all card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), 15 delegates from every external branch, founder members, and three representatives each from special organs of the party.

This reform is expected to inject institutional memory and broaden the perspectives in the presidential primary process. It also serves to recognise the contributions of a wide array of party veterans and functionaries who have shaped the party’s fortunes at various levels.

Party leaders believe the expanded Electoral College will strengthen internal cohesion and reduce the perception of elite control over leadership selection. It is also intended to give voice to a larger segment of the party’s base as it prepares for what is expected to be a highly competitive flagbearership race ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The NPP’s expanded Electoral College for its 2026 Presidential Primary;

i. All members of the National Council
ii. All members of the National Executive Committee
iii. All members of the Regional Executive Committee
iv. All members of the Constituency Executive Committee
v. All electoral Area Coordinators
vi. All members of the Polling Station Executive Committee
vii. All members of the National Council Of Elders
viii. All National Patrons of the Party
ix. All Past National Directors who are NPP Members
x. All members of Parliament
xi. All Past National Officers
xii. Fifteen (15) Delegates from every External Branch
xiii. Founding members who are signatories to the registration documents of the party at the electoral commission
xiv. One TESCON representative from each recognized tertiary institution
xv. All Card bearing ministers and deputy ministers
xvi. All MMDCEs

The amendment forms part of a broader constitutional review process aimed at restructuring the party after its defeat in the 2024 polls. The conference, themed “Rebuilding Together with Our Values,” brought together over 5,500 delegates from across the country. It featured debates on more than 50 motions, drawn from over 300 amendment proposals submitted by members nationwide.

The adoption of the expanded Electoral College is one of the most significant outcomes of the conference and is expected to influence how future leaders emerge within the NPP. It marks a strategic shift in how the party engages its broader membership and may shape the political dynamics leading up to the 2028 elections.

Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo

The Chief Executive Officer of Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo, has assured Ghanaians and the West African sub-region that his outfit, in collaboration with other governmental and ECOWAS institutions, is adequately prepared to clamp down on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing in the region.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Second Extraordinary Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Ministerial Committee Meeting held in Accra on July 19, 2025, Ing Boafo acknowledged that perpetrators of financial crimes constantly devise new tactics to stay ahead of security agencies but emphasised that the FIC and its partners remain vigilant and proactive.

“Such illegal people really worry; they always come up with different tactics, but we are much prepared because the criminals will always want to have a step ahead, but we are on their trail,” he stated.

He further warned that money laundering is a serious offence often linked with tax evasion, cautioning individuals to desist from engaging in such illegal activities or face the full rigour of the law.

According to him, despite political and security challenges in some African countries, Ghana’s government agencies, including the Bank of Ghana and the Attorney General’s Department, are working tirelessly to curb these illicit financial activities.

Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in her remarks, urged ECOWAS member states to unite in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing to safeguard regional stability and economic integrity.

“The innocent flows of money and related crimes often thrive where coordination is weak and institutional presence is limited,” she noted.

She emphasised the need for deeper engagement with all West African countries, including those undergoing political transitions, to tackle transnational threats effectively.

According to her, strengthening regional cohesion and institutional collaboration is key to sustaining development and enhancing security.

The President of GIABA, Edwin W Harris Jr, highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing, transaction monitoring, and coordinated regional action to track and disrupt money laundering networks.

He revealed that Mali had made progress in exiting GIABA’s enhanced follow-up process in June 2025, while Nigeria and Burkina Faso are expected to make significant improvements by the next review meeting.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, stressed the devastating impact of money laundering and terrorist financing on economic stability, governance, and social development.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to supporting GIABA in developing robust policies and strengthening regional cooperation.

“Strong political will and solidarity are essential in tackling financial crimes.

“Our efforts contribute not only to regional security but to the long-term prosperity and financial integrity of our nations,” he said.

AM/

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The show will feature live performances from Kwesi Arthur and Afrobeat star Camidoh

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho is set to host two of Ghana’s leading music acts, Kwesi Arthur and Camidoh, as part of its SRC Week celebrations on Saturday night July 19, 2025.

The event forms part of the WatsUp On Campus Tour, a series of shows held across various tertiary institutions in Ghana.

The show will feature live performances from the award-winning rapper Kwesi Arthur, known for hits such as “Grind Day”, “Baajo”, and “Celebrate.”

Afrobeat star Camidoh, whose single “Sugarcane” became a global success, is also billed to perform.

Students from UHAS and neighboring schools are gearing up for a night full of electrifying performances, thrilling activities, and nonstop energy.

The event is part of the ongoing WatsUp On Campus Tour, an exciting nationwide experience that connects students with their favorite artists while celebrating youth culture across Ghana’s tertiary institutions.

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

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DjQwequ Blog of Saturday, 19 July 2025

Source: Emmanuel Jacob Amissah

In markets across Ghana, plantain sellers are rethinking their survival strategies amid wild price swings.

As shifting supply cycles create scarcity in some areas and gluts in others, vendors are expanding their offerings to include yams, maize, and cocoyam. Their goal: to retain loyal customers, stabilise earnings, and avoid tying up scarce capital in overpriced plantain stock.

Food vendor Justina Lamptey, who usually fries plantain for sale, has recently switched her focus.

“Lately, there’s no plantain, so I’ve switched to yam and cocoyam,” she explains. “Plantain has its season—when it’s out, prices go up, sometimes to GH¢20 for just three. At that rate, I can’t make a profit.”

She plans to reintroduce plantain to her menu as soon as prices ease.

“My profit is higher on plantain than on yam or cocoyam, so I’ll add plantain the moment it’s in season.”
Roaster Beatrice Amarh has adopted a rotating menu to manage such risks.

“Because plantain is not in season, I only roast yam and maize. There is some plantain in the market, but it’s very expensive and I’d lose profit if I bought it.”

Years of trading have taught her to follow the crop calendar closely.

“When plantain is in season, maize goes out. When maize is in season, plantain goes out. So I switch depending on what’s available.”

In Kokomlemle, veteran trader Maa Gifty keeps a small, strategic stock of plantain on hand—even during peak price periods—to maintain her higher-spending clientele.
“Every year, plantain gets expensive when it’s out of stock. But this year, it’s very expensive,” she says.

A bunch can cost her GH¢40, which she retails at GH¢50, leaving a slim GH¢10 margin before factoring in transport, fuel, and spoilage.

“Many traders drop plantain entirely during these times, but I keep a little. It’s the rich people who often buy. One person can take the whole heap—I can get GH¢300 or GH¢200 just like that. Some come from the Industrial Area just to buy from me.”

She also gauges customer perceptions carefully.

“People feel more satisfied when they buy maize or corn instead of plantain,” she notes.

As a result, her stall balances smaller quantities of premium plantain for big spenders with more affordable staples like yam, maize, and cocoyam for general traffic.

For consumers like Thomas Asare, the price pressure is clearly visible.

“You go to the market to buy plantain—it’s very expensive. The plantain-and-beans they sell, one is now GH¢2 instead of GH¢1 or 50 pesewas,” he says.

For low-income households trying to stretch weekly food budgets, that price jump is significant.

So the next time you visit your favourite plantain seller, don’t be surprised if you leave with less, or none at all.

From yams to maize and cocoyam, Ghana’s market traders are diversifying their stock to keep their businesses afloat, and to keep dinner on your table.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to climate resilience and environmental protection as he led the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

Addressing a gathering of traditional leaders, residents, technocrats, and government officials, the Minister described the project as a critical national intervention aimed at protecting lives, restoring livelihoods, and responding to the urgent threat of rising sea levels and tidal waves.

“This project is not just about stones and groynes. It is about people. It is about the mothers, the children, and the fishermen who have lost everything to the sea. It is about restoring hope and reclaiming the livelihoods that have been washed away by tidal waves,” the Minister stated.

Mr Adjei highlighted that the journey began in 2015, when President John Mahama launched Phase I of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project, which involved constructing groynes along a 4.3-kilometre stretch to protect Azizadzi, Horvi, and Blekusu. The intervention significantly reduced tidal devastation in those communities.

However, over time, Salakope, Agavedzi, Amutinu, and Abutigun remained exposed to intensified tidal wave action, worsened by climate change. The Minister noted that after the completion of Phase I, the calls for an extension became impossible to ignore.

“It became clear that a second phase was not just necessary but urgent. Our people were suffering, and we could not wait any longer. Today, we have come back to finish what we started,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Mamaga Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who was visibly emotional, expressed immense joy and relief over the start of Phase II. She recounted years of frustration and desperate pleas to the previous administration that yielded no action.

“There were times I had to cry publicly about the pain and suffering of my people. I went to the previous administration again and again, but nothing was done. President Mahama heard our cry, and within six months, he has delivered. He is truly a father who listens to his children,” she said.

Dzifa Gomashie thanked the President and the Ministry for responding to the community’s long-standing need and emphasized the importance of seeing the project through to completion.

Spanning four years (2025–2029), Phase II will be executed by Armandine Golding Limited under the supervision of the Ghana Hydrological Authority. It will extend protection to an additional 8-kilometre stretch of coastline through the construction of 37 groynes, alongside beach nourishment and ecological restoration to reinforce natural buffers against wave energy.

Crucially, the project will also deliver socio-economic infrastructure, including: A modern fish market, A cold storage facility, designated fish drying and smoking areas.

“We are not only building defenses we are building livelihoods. These investments will directly support our fisherfolk and market women and empower the coastal economy,” the Minister stated.

Mr Adjei called on local residents to support the project with cooperation and vigilance.

“We can build the best structures, but without community ownership, their purpose will be diminished. I urge all of us to treat this as our collective responsibility. Let’s protect it, let’s maintain it, and let’s be proud of what we are building together,” he emphasised.

The Minister,however, reiterated the broader objectives of the project, which include: Preventing the destruction of infrastructure and property, Strengthening resilience to coastal hazards, Supporting Ghana’s climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategy.

“Together, we will reclaim our coastlines, restore our communities, and secure a safer, more resilient future for generations to come,” the Minister affirmed.

The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II represents more than an engineering feat it is a symbol of responsive leadership, community resilience, and hope restored for thousands who live with the constant threat of losing everything to the sea.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

DjQwequ Blog of Saturday, 19 July 2025

Source: Emmanuel Jacob Amissah

Delegates at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Delegates Conference on Saturday, July 19, approved 54 motions aimed at restructuring the party and refining its policies ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra, the conference reflected the party’s renewed focus on internal democracy and strategic reform, covering key areas such as constitutional amendments, electoral processes, grassroots mobilisation, governance, and policy direction.

However, delegates decisively rejected two notable constitutional amendment proposals, Motion 17 and Motion 54.

Motion 17 sought to amend Article 7(30) of the NPP Constitution to allow Regional Executive Committees to appoint independent supervisors for polling station and electoral area elections, thereby excluding constituency-level officers from that role.

Delegates opposed the motion, arguing it risked weakening grassroots participation and oversight.

In a similar vein, Motion 54 proposed redefining “youth” within the party as members not above the age of 35, instead of the current 40-year ceiling.

Below is the full list of motions

Article 1

Amend article 1 of the Constitution to include the Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours.

[The absence of the Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours  in the Constitution is an obvious omission and ought to be rectified. The Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours must find expression in the Party’s Constitution.]

Article 3(7)

Amend article 3(7)of the Constitution to give the power to recommend suspension of a Member or an office holder pending disciplinary action against him to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee rather than the Executive Committee.

[The amendment is necessary to ensure justified suspension of party executives (elected and appointed) by Executive Committees, only upon recommendation by the Disciplinary Committee,  pending disciplinary proceedings against such Officers. It is the Disciplinary Committee that shall recommend suspension having regard to its preliminary findings.]

Article 4(3)(7)

Amend article 4(3)(7) of the Constitution to allow for a complaint against any Constituency or Regional Officer, whether elected or appointed, to be filed at;  (i) in the case of the Constituency Officer, the Regional Executive Committee and (ii) in the case of the Regional Officer, the National Executive Committee.

[The amendment seeks to achieve fair and equal treatment or handling of disciplinary matters involving ‘elected officers’ and ‘appointed officers’ who are at the same level of the Party by providing that they should be dealt with by the same Disciplinary Committee.]

Article 5(6)

Amend article 5(6) of the Constitution to adopt the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s demarcation/cluster of Electoral Areas.

[The EC’s Electoral Area systems are pre-determined, bereft of controversies and involves more polling stations than the party’s demarcations of Electoral Area. The current provision in the Party’s constitution is that where polling stations under an Electoral Area exceed ten(10), an additional Electoral Area may be created. This lack of certainty and exactitude has triggered misunderstandings in the creation of some Electoral Areas. The adoption of the EC’s Electoral Area system cures any such misunderstanding or perceived mischief.] 

Article 6 –  new provision

Amend article 6 of the Constitution to provide for an Electoral Area Executive Committee structure made up of five (5) members who shall all be elected comprising the Electoral Area Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Communications Officer and Electoral Affairs Officer.

[The current system requires limited expansion to allow for increased participation and support in the management of the electoral areas. A 5-member Committee enhances operational capacity and ensures a more inclusive and structured approach to supervising polling station activities.]  

Article 6(1)

Amend article 6(1) of the Constitution to increase the Polling Station Executives from five (5) to seven (7) who are all to be elected compromising the Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Communications Officer and Electoral Affairs Officer.

[The Committee recommends one man one vote (OMOV) system as a long term electoral framework for the Party. In the absence of the foundational structures for the OMOV electoral system, the proposed limited expansion (representing 40% rise) at the polling station level is more realistic and manageable. It has the effect of increasing the electoral college considerably while the Party works on the recommended OMOV system.]

Articles 6(1); 7(2); 9(1); 10(7)(3)

Amend article 6(1), 7(2), 9(1) & 10(7)(3) of the Constitution to split/decouple the position of Research and Electoral Affairs Officer at the Constituency, Regional and Nationals levels of the Party.

[The amendment brings the needed focus and attention to each of the two responsibilities. Also, it is not every researcher who understands electoral matters and vice versa. Therefore, separating the positions and appointing people with the requisite expertise to occupy the respective positions will inure to the Party’s benefit.] 

Article 7(2)

Amend article 7(2) of the Constitution to include the Constituency Research Officer, Electoral Affairs Officer and PWD Coordinator on the Constituency Executive Committee.  

[This represents a limited expansion of the Constituency Executive Committee and seeks to promote inclusivity and broader participation in Party activities at the Constituency level.]

Articles 7(5); 9(2); 10(7)(3)

Amend articles 7(5), 9(2) & 10(7)(3) of the Constitution to make Communication Officers at all levels of the Party elected from the Polling Station, Electoral Area, Constituency, Regional and at the National level. At the National level, the Communication Officer shall be the Director of Communications. 

[Theappointment of Communication Officers has, in many instances, been fraught with a lot of challenges occasioned by perceptions of favouritism and lack of candour. Making the positions elective will afford the Party delegates to select persons they think can best communicate for the Party. For the avoidance of doubt, the Deputy Directors of Communications shall remain appointed.]

1. MOTION TEN

Articles 7(10); 9(7)

Amend articles 7(10) & 9(7) of the Constitution to prevent Party Officers who get appointed into government from continuing to hold their offices.

[Party officers who are appointed into government should not be allowed to hold dual positions. So long as they have accepted the appointment to serve in government, they should focus on their mandate in government and give opportunity for other competent Party members to occupy their positions in the Party. It is also in line with the provisions in clause 10 of article 7 & clause 7 of article 9, which are intended to ensure that government appointees do not hold Constituency, Regional and National Executive offices.]

1. MOTION ELEVEN

Articles  7(26); 9(24)

Amend articles 7(26) & 9(24) of the Constitution to provide that any vacancy that may occur for whatever reason in the case of the Constituency Secretary and Regional Secretary shall automatically be filled by the Deputy Constituency and Deputy Regional Secretary respectively.

[The Deputy Constituency and Deputy Regional Secretaries, just like the substantive Constituency and Regional Secretaries, are also elected by the same delegates at the same Conference. The Deputy Secretaries should be able to occupy the positions of the substantive Secretaries in the absence of the latter.]

1. MOTION TWELVE

Article 7(27)

Amend article 7(27) of the Constitution to give voting rights to National and Regional Officers at the Constituency Delegates Conference at the Constituency they hail from.

[This amendment strengthens the connections between these Officers and the respective Constituencies they hail from, where they may also serve as Patrons and source of logistical support.  This amendment is also geared towards the proposed limited expansion of the electoral college pending the OMOV system.]

1. MOTION THIRTEEN

Articles 7(27); 9(25); 10(2)

Amend articles 7(27), 9(25) & 10(2) of the Constitution to provide that the Party shall hold Constituency/Regional/ National Delegates Conferences every two years (i.e. biennially) instead of annually.

[This amendment looks at holding timely but necessary Conferences across all levels of the Party. There shall also be sufficient time to hold other equally important Conferences within the period before the biennial conference. Where it becomes necessary, an Extraordinary Delegates Conference may be called.]

1. MOTION FOURTEEN

Article 7(27)(b)

Amend article 7(27)(b) of the Constitution to give voting rights to the Electoral Area Executives at the Constituency Biennial Delegates Conference. 

[Currently,  Electoral Area Coordinators and all Polling Station Executives have voting rights at Constituency Delegates Conference. The proposed Electoral Area Executives (made up of the Electoral Area Coordinator to be now called Electoral Area Chairperson and four (4) other executives) should have voting rights at the Constituency Delegates Conference.]

1. MOTION FIFTEEN

Articles 7(29); 9(27)

Amend articles 7(29) & 9(27) of the Constitution to allow Constituency and Regional Secretaries to present reports on the state of the Party at the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference, with the prior approval of the Constituency and Regional  Executive Committee as the case may be.

[Constituency and Regional Secretaries are the administrative heads of the Constituency and Regional Secretariats of the Party and it is appropriate that they present a report on the state of the party to the Constituency and Regional Party respectively to the Delegates  Conference with prior approval of the Constituency and Regional Executive Committee as the case may be.]

1. MOTION SIXTEEN

Articles 7(29); 9(27)

Amend articles 7(29) & 9(27) of the Constitution to require the statement of account to be presented by the Constituency and Regional Treasurers at the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference to have received prior approval of the Constituency and Regional Executive Committee as the case may be.

[This allows the Constituency and Regional Executive Committee to scrutinize and give a stamp of approval to the statements before they are presented at the Delegates Conference.]

1. MOTION SEVENTEEN

Article 7(30)

Amend article 7(30) of the Constitution to provide that the Regional Executive Committee shall appoint persons, other than Polling Station, Electoral Area and Constituency Officers,  to supervise Polling Station and Electoral Area elections.  

[Constituencies are directly involved in the compilation of the album for organising Polling Station and Constituency elections. It is therefore prudent that supervision of these elections should be taken to the Regional level to absolve it from any conflict of interest.]

1. MOTION EIGHTEEN

Article 8; Article 8(5)

Amend article 8 of the Constitution to specifically provide that the External Branches shall have three (3) representatives on the National Executive Committee and five(5) representatives on the National Council.  

[TheParty Constitution under article 8(5) grants the External Branches representation at the National Executive Committee and the National Council but does not indicate the number of representatives they should appoint to serve on these bodies. This amendment brings clarity to the number of representatives the External Branches shall have on the National Executive Committee and National Council.] 

1. MOTION NINETEEN

Articles 8; 13(11)

Amend articles 8 & 13(11) of the Constitution to specifically provide that all former and current executives of the External Branches shall have voting rights at the Presidential Primaries.

[The amendment seeks to expand the electoral college for the Presidential Primaries to promote inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

Articles 8; 10(2)(f)

Amend articles 8 & 10(2)(f) of the Constitution to specifically provide that ALL current executives of the External Branches shall have voting rights at the National Delegates Conference.

[Previously, only twelve (12) Executives of the External Branches were allowed to vote at the National Delegates Conference. This amendment, allowing all of them to vote,  promotes inclusivity and broader participation. The amendment is also in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

Article 9

Amend article 9 of the Constitution to include Regional Electoral Affairs Officer, Regional Research Officer (note: the decoupling of the two) Regional Legal Officer, Regional PWD Coordinator, and a Special Duties Officer as part of the Regional Executive Committee.

[This represents a limited expansion of the Regional Executive Committee.]

Article 9(1)

Amend article 9(1) of the Constitution to expand the composition of the Regional Executive Committee members to include Constituency Secretaries.

[Constituency Secretaries are responsible for all administrative matters at the Constituency level and it is only proper that they are part of the Regional Executive Committees.]

Article 9(1) new provision

Amend the Constitution by inserting a new provision to create a Regional Steering Committee composed of the Regional Officers, Chairman of the Regional Council of Elders and Regional Parliamentary Caucus Chair.

[The proposed amendment aligns with what pertains at the national level, where we have a National Steering Committee, which is the body in charge of the day-to-day administration of the Party at the National level. The Regional Steering Committee shall also be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Party in the Regions. The Regional Steering Committee system shall facilitate decision-making at the Regional level.]

Articles 9; 10(2); 13

Amend articles 9, 10(2) & 13 of the Constitution to grant voting rights to the Regional & National TESCON Coordinators and the TESCON President from each recognised tertiary institution in the country at the Regional and National Delegates Conference respectively.

[The Regional TESCON Coordinators are in charge of coordinating all the activities of TESCON in the various tertiary institutions within the Region. It is only proper to grant them voting rights at Conferences just like the Executives whose activities they coordinate. The same principle applies to the National TESCON Coordinators. The specificity on the TESCON President and not just any representative of TESCON avoids the usual challenge with validation of the representative from TESCON.]

Articles 9(25); 10(2); article 13(11)

Amend article 10(2) & 13(11) of the Constitution to grant voting rights to the TESCON President (and NOT a representative from TESCON) from each recognised tertiary institution in the country at the Regional and National Delegates Conference.

[The specificity on the TESCON President and not just any representative of TESCON avoids the usual challenge with validation of the representative from TESCON.]

Article 10;  new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to include the consideration of Position Papers from Sector Committees of the Party on key developments since the last National Delegates Conference at National Delegates Conference.

[The proposed amendment allows the National Delegates Conference to not only focus on speeches and election of national officers (where necessary), but to also consider and debate the Reports submitted by the Party’s Sector Committees on key national issues and to pass appropriate resolutions on same.]

Article 10; new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to modify the composition of the Sector Committees under the National Executive Committee to include both Members of Parliament and non-Members of Parliament as well as their functions.

[This allows the Party to marshal its available best brains to serve on the various Sector Committees whether or not they are Members of Parliament.]

Articles 10(2)(3)(e); 13(11); 16

Amend articles 10(2)(3)(e) & 13 of the Constitution to make all Members of the National Council of Elders delegates at the National Delegates Conference and the Presidential Primaries.

[Considering the indispensable roles played by the National Council of Elders, they deserve more representation at the party’s highest decision-making body. In any case, per Article 16, the membership of the National Council of Elders shall not exceed 30, out of which, 15 are already members/delegates to the National Annual Delegates Conference.] 

Article 10(3)

Amend article 10(3) of the Constitution to increase the representation of the National Council of Elders on the National Council from one(1) to five (5) members including the Chairman of the National Council of Elders.

[The National Council of Elders is the foremost advisory body of the Party and therefore ought to be adequately represented at the second highest decision-making body of the Party.]

Article 10(3)

Amend article 10(3) of the Constitution to provide for four (4) additional Standing Committees and enable the National Council to create new Standing Committees as and when the Council deem fit. The new four (4) Standing Committees shall be the Electoral Affairs Committee, Communications Committee, Political Strategy & Policy Committee and Security & Intelligence Committee.

[The proposed additional Standing Committees to be created are indispensable and crucial in supporting the National Council and by extension the Party to function more effectively.  The amendment also grants the National Council the mandate to create additional Standing Committees as and when necessary.]

Article 10(3)A

Amend article 10(3)(A) of the Constitution to expand the composition of the Finance Committee from six (6) to ten (10) Members in addition to the National Treasurer.

[This amendment expands the composition of the Finance Committee in order to enhance  the effectiveness of the Committee.]

Article 10(3)(2)(d)

Amend article 10(3)(2)(d) of the Constitution to expressly provide that Chairpersons of Standing Committees and Directors at the Party Headquarters shall have voting rights at the National Council and consequently vote in the Presidential Primaries.

[This amendment admits Chairmen of Standing Committees and Directors at the Party Headquarters into membership at the National Council with voting rights.]

Article 10(3)(4)

Amend article 10(3)(4) of the Constitution to include former Majority and former Minority Leaders to the composition of the National Executive Committee and National Council.

[The National Executive Committee stands to benefit immensely from the experiences ofpersons who have once led the Party’s Parliamentary Group as Majority or Minority Leaders.]

Article 10(4) new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to provide that the National Executive Committee shall, in consultation with the Presidential Candidate, develop the campaign structure and establish a Campaign Advisory Committee to oversee the Campaign Team.

[The Presidential Campaign should be a collaboration between Party and the Presidential Candidate.]

Article 10; new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to specifically provide that the National Chairperson shall be the Leader of the Party.

[The proposed amendment affirms the position of the National Chairperson as the Leader of the Party.]

Article 10(5)

Amend article 10(5) of the Constitution to specifically provide that the National Chairperson shall chair the Party’s Campaign Advisory Committee.

[The National Chairperson as the Leader of the Party should chair the Party’s Campaign Advisory Committee to enhance collaborative work between the arty and Campaign.]

Article 10(4)(2)

Amend article 10(4)(2) of the Constitution to increase the representation of the Parliamentary Group on the National Executive Committee from one (1) to three(3) comprising the Leader and two (2) others, one of whom shall be a woman.

[The Parliamentary Group is a critical organ of the party. It is the Group that champions the Party’s policies and agenda in the Legislative arm. The amendment seeks to increase the representation of the Parliamentary Group on the National Executive Committee.]  

Article 10(7)(3); 10(8)

Amend articles 10(7)(3) & 10(8) of the Constitution to provide that the National Treasurer shall report to the General Secretary.

[The General Secretary is the Party’s chief administrator, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Party and all Officers except National Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons report to him. The amendment aligns with the administrative structure of the Party.]

Article 10(10)

Amend article 10(10) of the Constitution to remove the President from the composition of the National Steering Committee of the National Executive Committee.

[TheSteering Committee is in charge of the day-to-day administration of the Party and should comprise only the ten(10) Elected Officers, the Presidential candidate, Parliamentary Leader and Chairman of the National Council of Elders.] 

Article 11

Amend article 11 of the Constitution to specifically include a provision that allows the Constituency Executive Committee to remove a Polling Station or Electoral Area Officer from office with the prior approval of the Regional Executive Committee, upon receipt of a Petition from a Member.  

[The Constitution has no provision on how Polling Station and Electoral Area Officers may be removed from office.]

Article 11

Amend article 11 of the Constitution to include a provision requiring the need for the body to be constituted by the Executive Committee, to recommend removal before the summoning of an Extraordinary Delegates Conference for the purpose of removing an Elected Officer from office, and for specified timelines for the removal process of such Elected Officer.

[The amendment brings clarity in the removal of Officers and avoids the convening of an Extraordinary Delegates Conference without recommendation from the body constituted by the Executive Committee.]

Article 11(7)

Amend article 11(7) of the Constitution to explicitly provide guidelines/procedure for the removal from office of an appointed Officer/Executive to be done by the relevant Executive Committee with prior approval of the immediately higher Executive Committee.   

[The amendment clarifies the process for removal of appointed Officers.]

Article 12; new provision

Amend the Constitution by inserting a new provision to provide that National Officers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs and other government appointees who file to contest to become a Parliamentary Candidate of the Party in a Constituency with a sitting Member of Parliament, shall resign their positions at least twelve (12) months to the National General Elections.

[This is to ensure fair competition and level playing field to all prospective aspirants for the position of Parliamentary Candidate.]

New provision; articles 12 &13

Amend articles 12 &13 of the Constitution and insert a new provision to grant voting rights to former Members of Parliament, former Parliamentary Candidates, former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), former Ministers, former Deputy Ministers who are card bearing members of the Party at the Parliamentary and Presidential Primaries.

[The amendment seeks to expand the electoral college for the Presidential Primaries to promote inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

 New provision; articles 12 &13

Amend articles 12 & 13 of the Constitution and insert a new provision to grant voting rights to former Constituency Executives, former Regional Executives at the Parliamentary and Presidential Primaries.

[The amendment seeks to expand the electoral college for the Presidential Primaries to promote inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

Article 13 (1)(6)

Amend article 13(1)(6) of the Constitution to provide that National Officers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs and other government appointees who file to become the Presidential Candidate of the Party, shall resign their positions at least twenty-four(24) months to the National General Elections.

[This is to ensure fair competition and level playing field to all prospective aspirants for the flagbearership.]

Article 13(1)(9)

Amend article 13(1)(9) of the Constitution to completely abolish the Special Electoral College/Super Delegates System.

[The Special Electoral College system which was introduced in the 2009 constitutional amendments to shortlist aspiring Presidential Candidates, has outlived its usefulness.]

Article 13(4)

Amend article 13(4) of the Constitution to provide for the election of a Presidential Candidate when the Party is in government to a date not later than eighteen (18) months instead of eleven (11) months before the National General Elections.

[This amendment gives the party’s presidential candidate an extra seven(7) months to campaign before the general elections.]

Article 13(11)

Amend article 13(11) to grant voting rights to five(5) members of the Constituency Council of Elders and ten(10) members of the Regional Council of Elders at the Presidential Primaries.

[These Constituency and Regional Elders are members of the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference respectively. Polling Station and Electoral Area Executives, who form part of the delegates to the Constituency Conference have been given voting rights at the Presidential Primaries. The exclusion of the Elders is an omission which should be rectified.]

Article 13(11)

Amend article 13(11) of the Constitution to include thirty (30) National Patrons and all Members of the National Council of Elders to be part of the Presidential Primaries.

[The National Council of Elders is the foremost advisory body of the Party and therefore ought to be adequately represented at the second highest decision-making body of the Party. National Patrons also occupy an important position in the Party structure. The expansion of their numbers in the Presidential Primaries is appropriate.]

Article 13(11)

Amend article 13(11) to grant voting rights to five(5) Constituency Patrons and ten(10) Regional Patrons at the Presidential Primaries.

[These Constituency and Regional Patrons are members of the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference respectively. Polling Station and Electoral Area executives, who form part of the delegates to the Constituency Conference have been given voting rights at the Presidential Primaries. The exclusion of the Patrons is an omission which should be rectified.]

Amend article 13(11) to grant voting rights to one (1) TESCON Patron from every recognised tertiary institution t the Presidential Primaries.

[This amendment allows for inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with proposed limited expansion.]

Article 15(3)

Amend article 15(3) of the Constitution to make all female delegates at the National Delegates Conference eligible to vote for the position of National Women Organiser.

[The current regulations on the election of the National Women Organiser is not inclusive. This amendment allows all female delegates to participate in the election of the National Women’s Organiser.]

Article 15(4)

Amend article 15(4) of the Constitution by defining ‘Youth’ in the Constitution to refer to a Member of the Party who is not above the age of 35 years.

[The age limit for ‘Youth’ per all the International Conventions and National Laws shows that the highest age limit is 35 years. The UN puts the age bracket between 15 -24 years; WHO: 15-29; UNICEF: 15-24; ILO: 15-24; African Youth Charter: 15-35. In Ghana, the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939) defines a ‘Youth’ as a person between 15 -35 years.]

Article 15(4)

Amend article 15(4) of the Constitution to make all youth delegates at the National Delegates Conference eligible to vote for the position of National Youth Organiser.

[The current regulations on the election of the National Youth Organiser is not inclusive. This amendment allows all youth delegates to participate in the election of the National Youth Organiser.]

Article 15(5)(d) (e) and related provisions that refer to Nasara Coordinator at all relevant levels

Amend article 15(5)(d)(e) and related provisions of the Constitution to refer to Nasara Coordinators as Nasara Organisers.

[By the nature of their functions, Nasara Coordinators should be referred to as Nasara Organisers, just as is done with Women and Youth Organisers.]

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.