Election Watch Ghana has congratulated the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the successful conduct of its delegates’ election, while raising concerns about the cost of internal party elections, the influence of money, gender representation and the scale of the security deployment.
In a report on the exercise dated October 4, 2026, the election observer group said the election represents an important component of Ghana’s democratic process and demonstrates the party’s continued commitment to internal democracy, participation and the strengthening of political institutions.
Election Watch Ghana also congratulated all successful candidates and urged the newly elected executives to lead with integrity, inclusiveness, accountability and a strong commitment to democratic values.
It noted that their election comes with a duty to serve not only the interests of the party but also to contribute to the development and consolidation of Ghana’s democracy.
EC and security agencies commended
The group commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for the professional manner in which it managed the process.
It said the apparent reduction of errors to a minimum is encouraging and reflects the importance of continued investment in efficient electoral administration, adequate preparation and procedures.
The security agencies were also recognised for their role in maintaining peace and order throughout the exercise, with Election Watch Ghana saying their presence contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the election.
Concerns over deployment of 3,000 police officers
However, the group said that from a broader institutional and sustainability perspective, the deployment of more than 3,000 police officers for a single internal party election raises questions about the long-term sustainability and cost of such an approach.
While maintaining that the security of elections remains paramount, it stressed the need to continuously assess and refine security arrangements to ensure they are proportionate, efficient and sustainable.
Election Watch Ghana further called for greater emphasis on election-related education for citizens, delegates, candidates and other stakeholders.
It also recommended that specialised electoral monitoring and election-security training be strengthened for security personnel, so that officers deployed for electoral duties fully understand the unique requirements of democratic elections.
Women’s representation
The group also drew attention to the representation of women in the party’s leadership, noting that the presence of only one woman among the elected executives raises concerns about the extent to which women are being adequately represented in political leadership.
It said that if Ghana is to achieve meaningful inclusion in political governance, deliberate efforts must be made to create greater opportunities for women to participate in decision-making at all levels.
Election Watch Ghana therefore encouraged the party to consider gender balance and inclusiveness in subsequent appointments and leadership opportunities.
According to the group, greater representation of women is not merely a matter of numbers but an essential component of building a political system that reflects the diversity, experiences and aspirations of the Ghanaian population.
Rising cost of internal elections
Election Watch Ghana observed that internal party elections have increasingly become expensive, a trend it said requires serious attention.
It explained that costs associated with transportation, feeding, accommodation and other logistical arrangements can place significant financial burdens on candidates and create an environment in which financial capacity becomes an important determinant of electoral success.
The group therefore urged political parties to consider mechanisms through which the basic logistical needs of accredited delegates can be centrally organised and financed by the party, rather than leaving individual aspirants to assume responsibility for transporting, feeding or accommodating delegates.
Such reforms, it said, would help create a more level playing field and reduce the influence of money in internal party contests.
Call on delegates
Election Watch Ghana also expressed concern about the increasing emphasis on candidates perceived to be politically aggressive, influential or financially capable, rather than those who present clear and innovative ideas for the advancement of the party and the nation.
It stated that political leadership should ultimately be about vision, competence, character, service and the ability to develop and implement policies that improve the lives of citizens.
Delegates, the group said, have an important responsibility to look beyond popularity, personal influence, political connections or financial capacity when making their choices.
They should critically examine the ideas, proposals, track records, integrity, leadership abilities and commitment of candidates before casting their votes, it added, noting that the quality of leadership produced by an internal election can have consequences far beyond the political party itself.
The group described the NPP delegates’ election as an important reminder that the strength of Ghana’s democracy depends not only on national elections but also on the quality of democracy practised within political parties.
Election Watch Ghana commended the NPP, the Electoral Commission, the security agencies, candidates, delegates and all stakeholders who contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election.
It said the process provides an opportunity to reflect on areas that require improvement, particularly the cost of internal elections, the influence of money, gender representation, electoral education, security arrangements, and the need to place ideas and competence at the centre of political leadership selection.
“Ultimately, the responsibility for building a better political system rests with all of us. Every delegate has the power to influence the direction of a political party and, by extension, the future of the country,” the statement concluded.