By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The Deputy Minority Leader of Parliament, Patricia Appiah Agyei has described the newly launched amended constitution of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a major step toward strengthening the party’s internal democracy and positioning it for future electoral success.
The constitution was officially launched on Wednesday December 3, 2025 at a the party’s Constitution Amendment Launch gathering attended by national, regional and constituency executives, members of the Council of Elders and party patrons.
The amendments, which were adopted by an overwhelming consensus at the party’s National Delegates Conference held on July 19, 2025, follow months of consultations and recommendations from the 2024 Election Review Committee.
According to the Deputy Minority Leader, over 300 proposals from party members across the country were considered in shaping the new document.
“This amended constitution is a blueprint for a stronger, more inclusive NPP that is ready to face the future with unity and purpose,” She said.
She explained that one of the key objectives of the amendments is to deepen internal democracy and broaden participation in the party’s decision-making processes. The changes are expected to decentralise power, particularly in the selection of party leaders, giving more members at the grassroots a direct voice in major decisions.
The Deputy Minority Leader noted that these reforms are designed to be practical and action-oriented, impacting the daily activities of the party from polling station meetings to National Council decisions.
He added that the amendments balance respect for the party’s traditions with modern political realities to ensure the NPP remains dynamic and forward-looking.
“These changes will be felt in the daily life of the party and will make us work more efficiently while avoiding unnecessary internal conflict,” she stated.
Touching on the upcoming January 31, 2026 presidential primary to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections, the Deputy Minority Leader urged party members to uphold discipline and unity despite the expected intense competition. He cautioned that rivalry must not be allowed to breed division within the party.
She disclosed that the party’s leadership had already taken steps to manage tensions among aspirants through engagements by the National Steering Committee and Council of Elders. She appealed to supporters of all aspirants to campaign with respect and resolve disagreements through dialogue.
“We must remember that competition should not breed division, and all disagreements must be resolved in the spirit of camaraderie,” she said.
The Deputy Minority Leader also addressed concerns about the party’s reduced numbers in Parliament following the 2024 general elections, describing it as a new experience for the NPP in the Fourth Republic.
Despite being in the minority, she assured supporters that the Minority Caucus remains united and focused on holding the Mahama-led government accountable.
She accused the government of allegedly weaponising state institutions, including the security agencies and the judiciary, against political opponents, citing what she described as unprecedented actions in Ghana’s democratic history.
“We may be fewer in number, but we are mightier in our resolve, and we have not been intimidated,” she stated.
In her concluding remarks, the Deputy Minority Leader stressed that the success of the amended constitution would depend on the collective commitment of party members to uphold its spirit, not just its letter.
She urged members at all levels to promote openness, inclusion, fairness and unity as the party prepares for future elections.
She expressed confidence that faithful implementation of the reforms would not only ensure a successful presidential primary in 2026 but also rejuvenate the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“When we implement this constitution in spirit and in truth, there is no challenge in 2028 or beyond that we cannot overcome together,” she said.
