NPP-USA elections: Calls for in-person voting and clear timetable ahead of Nov. 30 deadline

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s United States branch, Opoku Boateng, has called for in-person voting and an immediate election timetable as the November 30 deadline for outstanding party polls approaches.

In a statement, he raised concerns about what he described as inadequate communication from the committee overseeing the NPP-USA elections.

According to Mr Boateng, members have yet to receive an election date, a published timetable or information on the register of eligible voters.

“Members are not asking for miracles. They are asking for a timetable,” he said.

He cited an October 29, 2026, directive by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua requiring all outstanding elections to be completed by November 30.

Mr Boateng argued that the lack of a clear roadmap was making it difficult for members to prepare and for candidates to organise their campaigns.

The statement said the NPP-USA election was initially expected in July 2026 but was postponed after disagreements over an electronic voting system developed by NPP Ghana.

According to Mr Boateng, members questioned the platform’s independence and raised concerns that it had not been tested in Ghana's elections.

“It is important to understand that rejecting a particular voting platform does not mean rejecting democracy, technology, or the desire to elect leaders,” he said.

“Rather, it reflects a desire to ensure that whatever electoral system is adopted commands the confidence of the people who will use it.”

As an alternative, he proposed voting at the various chapters, with results subsequently collated at the NPP-USA branch level.

He also called for consideration of a regulated proxy voting arrangement for members unable to attend physically. He said this should include verification and accountability measures to prevent duplication, impersonation, and abuse.

“The proposal is not intended to complicate the election. It is intended to build confidence,” he said.

Mr Boateng also questioned how the electoral committee had been constituted. He alleged that the General Secretary established it directly, without the expected consultation with NPP-USA executives.

He urged the committee to engage chapter leaders, executives, candidates and members to address concerns and build confidence in the process.

His demands include publishing the voter register, allowing members to verify their eligibility and clarifying voting and results-collation procedures.

He cautioned against waiting until the final days before the deadline to announce arrangements.

“A credible election cannot be organised through last-minute announcements, hurried arrangements, and inadequate communication,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of meeting the deadline, Mr Boateng said speed should not come at the expense of fairness.

“There is a difference between completing an election before a deadline and conducting an election that members can genuinely trust.”

He appealed to members to remain united despite differences over candidates and voting methods, saying the priority should be an election that strengthens the branch.