A group of constituency executives currently based abroad have sent a strong petition to the National Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reject the cancellation of proxy voting for the party’s upcoming presidential primaries because it is unconstitutional.
Many have responded angrily to the decision of the party’s Election Committee, chaired by Joe Osei Owusu, not to accept proxy voting for the election of flagbearer, describing it as a breach of the party’s constitution and alien to democratic principles.
In a detailed petition to the National Chairman of the NPP, the group, made up of various constituency and polling station executives of the NPP, made constitutional arguments for the restoration of the proxy voting and approval of their proxy voting requests.
“The NPP Constitution expressly provides for voting by proxy, establishing it as a valid and legitimate method for registered voters and by extension, eligible party delegates who are unable to be physically present in their constituency on polling day,” the group said in the petition.
“The Constitution states: Voting by Proxy – Article 2525(1) A registered voter who:(a) due to ill-health will not be able to vote on polling day; or(b) is absent from the constituency and will be unable to vote on polling day, may apply to the returning officer or the Commission for their name to be placed on the proxy list,” they added, as they urged the NEC of the NPP not to allow them to be unduly disenfranchised at a time the party is bringing all on board to rebuild.
“In this decisive chapter of the Party’s journey back to government, our collective strength must come from unity, fairness, and the full mobilization of every loyal Party member. Upholding proxy voting for executives abroad is not only a matter of constitutional fidelity, it is a demonstration of responsible leadership, financial prudence, and respect for the mandate given to each of us by our constituencies.
“Allowing proxy voting ensures that no executive is silenced by circumstance or distance and reaffirms the NPP’s legacy as a Party that respects every voice, values every vote, and remains committed to winning power through democratic integrity.”
Below is a the full petition submitted by the group:
The Chairman National Executive Committee
New Patriotic Party
Accra
Through: The General Secretary
New Patriotic Party (NPP)
National Headquarters
Accra, Ghana
18 th November, 2025
A PETITION REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR PROXY VOTING IN THE NPP PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES
We, the undersigned Constituency Executives, Polling Station Executives, of the New Patriotic Party who are currently studying or temporarily domiciled outside Ghana, respectfully submit this petition for the consideration of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Council.
Constitutional Basis of Our Request
The NPP Constitution expressly provides for voting by proxy, establishing it as a valid and legitimate method for registered voters and by extension, eligible party delegates who are unable to be physically present in their constituency on polling day.
The Constitution states: Voting by Proxy – Article 2525(1) A registered voter who:(a) due to ill-health will not be able to vote on polling day; or(b) is absent from the constituency and will be unable to vote on polling day, may apply to the returning officer or the Commission for their name to be placed on the proxy list.
The constitutional language is clear and unambiguous: Being absent from the constituency is a valid and lawful ground for proxy voting. Furthermore, the Constitution outlines the procedure:
• 25(2) – completion of a proxy form
• 25(3) – endorsement and distribution of proxy copies
• 25(4) – verification of the applicant and proxy
• 25(5) – the proxy’s voting rights
• 25(6) – limitation of one proxy at a time
• 25(7) – applicant not voting directly once a proxy is approved
• 25(8–10) – cancellation procedures and consequences.
These provisions clearly demonstrate that proxy voting is not an exception or privilege it is a fully codified right within the Party’s electoral framework.
Our temporary presence outside Ghana whether for studies, work, or family obligations falls squarely under Article 25(1)(b):
“Absent from the constituency and unable to vote on polling day.”
Avoiding Unconstitutional Disenfranchisement
If proxy voting is denied to Constituency Executives abroad, it would:
• Violate the spirit and letter of Article 25, which guarantees voting rights for all members absent from their constituencies.
• Unfairly disenfranchise duly elected executives whose mandates remain valid and active.
• Create unequal treatment among executives based solely on geographic location, despite equal rank and responsibility.
• Undermine internal democratic participation, especially among students, young professionals, and Diaspora leaders who tirelessly promote the Party internationally.
Financial and Strategic Considerations for a Party in Opposition
The NPP is currently in opposition, and prudence demands that all party resources, individual and collective be managed strategically to maximize our chances in the next General Elections.
Forcing executives abroad to travel home solely to cast a single vote:
• Requires expensive airfare, often running into hundreds or thousands of dollars per person.
• Places undue financial pressure on young executives, students, and volunteers.
• Diverts resources that could instead be used to:
• fund polling station mobilization,
• support grassroots operations,
• finance communications and media outreach,
• empower youth mobilization,
• or strengthen regional campaign structures.
Allowing proxy voting is therefore not only constitutionally sound but financially prudent, enabling the Party to conserve resources for the larger mission of winning the General Election.
Our Humble RequestIn light of the constitutional grounding, democratic principles, financial prudence, and strategic considerations, we respectfully request that:
1. All Constituency Executives currently studying or temporarily domiciled outside Ghana be permitted to vote through the constitutionally recognized proxy voting system as outlined in Article 25.
2. The Party issue clear and timely procedural guidelines to facilitate the proxy process.
3. Constituency and Regional Secretariats be directed to assist affected executives with proxy documentation and submission.
Final Appeal
In this decisive chapter of the Party’s journey back to government, our collective strength must come from unity, fairness, and the full mobilization of every loyal Party member.
Upholding proxy voting for executives abroad is not only a matter of constitutional fidelity, it is a demonstration of responsible leadership, financial prudence, and respect for the mandate given to each of us by our constituencies.
Allowing proxy voting ensures that no executive is silenced by circumstance or distance and reaffirms the NPP’s legacy as a Party that respects every voice, values every vote, and remains committed to winning power through democratic integrity.
We therefore humbly but firmly appeal for this request to be granted in the supreme interest of the New Patriotic Party.
Thank you.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bismark Osei Akowuah (USA) – 1st Vice Chairman – Obuasi East Constituency
Shaibu Yusif Bambah (Germany) – Organizer, Bantama Constituency
Enoch K. Baah (UK) – Youth Organizer, Akrofuom Constituency
Jones Osei Asamoah (USA) – Organizer, Asante Akyem Central Constituency
Felix Amakye (USA) – Secretary, Asante Akyem Central Constituency
Daniel Obeng (UK) – Youth Organizer, Obuasi East Constituency
Gyesi Emmanuel Kwao (USA) – Former Secretary, Gomoa East Constituency
Andrews Owusu (USA) – Youth Organizer, Asante Akyem Central Constituency
Agnes Adu Yeboah (UK) – Research and Elections Officer, Asante Akyem Central Constituency
Lisa Okunor, (Canada) – Women Organizer (House of Faith polling station B), Bantama Constituency
Lucy Obeng (UK) – Polling Station Organizer, Kwadaso Constituency
CC:
• The Chairman, National Council
• All Aspiring Presidential Candidates, (NPP)
• The Presidential Elections Committee
• The NPP Council of Elders