New Patriotic Party (NPP) Constitution
Preambles
- The preamble outlines the party’s ideological foundation, emphasizing its commitment to:
- Democratic governance.
- Free-market principles.
- National unity and development.
- Upholding the rule of law and the Constitution of Ghana.
Article 1: Name of the Party
The party's official name is the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Article 2: Aims and Objectives
- The Constitution defines the party’s primary objectives as:
- Shape public opinion
- Sponsor candidates
- and win power democratically.
- Promote unity among all Ghanaians,
- regardless of Ethnicity;
- Â Gender
- or Political affiliation.
- Uphold Democracy
- Human rights,
- and the Constitution of Ghana.
- Foster a free-market economy
- reduce unemployment
- and ensure fair wealth distribution.
- Improve Education
- Healthcare
- Environmental protection
- and Women’s rights.
- Empower regions and districts to participate in local development decisions.
- Maintain friendly ties with nations and support African/global bodies (e.g., ECOWAS, AU, UN).
Article 3: Membership
- The Constitution establishes guidelines for membership:
- Open to all Ghanaian citizens of;
- Voting age
- regardless of Gender,
- ReligionÂ
- or Status.
- Members join by declaring intent and enrolling in their constituency or overseas branch.
Founding Members: Involved in establishing the party (paid a fee).
Patrons: Members contributing extra levies to support the party
- General Members: Regular members paying dues
- Participate in party activities
- contest elections
- and be heard in disciplinary matters.
- Protect the party’s reputation
- Pay dues
- Avoid legal actions against the party without exhausting internal grievance procedures.
- Members can resign
- Be suspended
- Expelled
- or forfeit membership (e.g., supporting rival parties).
- Updated membership lists are maintained at
- Polling stations
- Constituencies
- and the National levels.
Article 4: Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
- Constituency-level:Â (handles local issues).
- Regional-level:Â (handles regional officers and appeals).
- National-level:Â (handles national officers and final appeals).
- Â
- Complaints must be written and investigated.
- Hearings are private and follow natural justice principles.
- Sanctions include fines, suspension, or expulsion.
- Members can appeal decisions to higher committees within 14 days.
- Includes violence,
- Fraud
- Disloyalty
- Factionalism
- or damaging the party’s reputation.
- Members can petition for redress if unfairly treated, with appeals up to the National Executive Committee.
Article 5: Structure and Organization
- The NPP operates through a hierarchical structure:
- The grassroots level of the party’s organisational structure.
- Basic unit with elected executives (Chairperson, Secretary, Organizer, etc.)
Constituency Executive Committee: Elected/appointed officers (e.g., Chairperson, Secretary, Organisers).
Responsibilities: Manage party activities, recruit members, and mobilise support.
Meetings: Monthly meetings and annual delegates’ conferences to approve reports and elect officers.
- Regional Executive Committee: Coordinates constituencies, implements policies, and reports to the national level.
- Overseen by the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Delegates Conference (supreme body).
Elections for officers are by secret ballot, with 4-year terms.
Vacancies are filled by deputies or by new elections.
Officers can be removed via petitions and votes at emergency conferences.
Article 6: Constituency Organization
Basic unit: Polling Station (5 elected executives: Chairman, Secretary, Organiser, Youth Organiser, Women’s Organiser).
Constituency Executive Committee: Composed of elected/appointed officers (e.g., Chairperson, Secretary, Organisers, Youth/Women Coordinators).
Manage party activities, recruit members, and mobilise electoral support.
Submit quarterly reports to the Regional Executive Committee.
Officers elected at Constituency Annual Delegates Conference (delegates include Polling Station Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators, etc.).
Vacancies filled by deputies or new appointments.
Article 7: Regional Organization
Regional Executive Committee: Includes elected/appointed officers (e.g., Regional Chairperson, Secretary, Organisers).
Regional Delegates Conference: Held annually to approve reports, elect officers, and send resolutions to the National Delegates Conference.
Coordinate constituencies, implement party policies, and resolve disputes.
Report quarterly to the National Executive Committee.
Article 8: External Branches
Members abroad can form branches (minimum 100 members or as determined by the National Executive Committee).
Must align with the party’s constitution and rules.
Article 9: National Organization
Supreme governing body of the party.
Meets annually to approve reports, elect national officers, and amend the constitution.
Delegates include regional/constituency executives, MPs, Council of Elders, and external branch representatives.
Directs party affairs between National Delegates Conferences.
Includes National Executive Committee members, regional representatives, and past leaders.
Oversees daily operations.
Composed of the National Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, General Secretary, MPs, and other key officers.
- Manages urgent matters and includes top national officers (e.g., National Chairperson, General Secretary, Presidential Candidate).
Article 10: Removal of Officers
40% of delegates petition for removal.
An Extraordinary Delegates Conference approves the removal by a two-thirds majority.
Appointed officers can be dismissed by the appointing authority.
Article 11: Selection of Parliamentary Candidates
- Must be a registered voter in the constituency, active for 2+ years, of "good character," and pay fees.
- Applications submitted to Constituency Executive Committees.
Candidates elected at least 12 months before the general elections.
Article 12: Selection of Presidential Candidate
- Must be an active member for 5+ years, endorsed by 100+ members (10 from each region), and pass vetting.
Special Electoral College shortlists candidates if more than 5 aspirants.
Final election by delegates (National/Regional Executives, MPs, Council of Elders, etc.).
Requires 50 %+ votes; runoff if no majority.
- Nominated by the Presidential Candidate in consultation with the National Council.
Article 13: Parliamentary Group
- Comprises NPP Members of Parliament (MPs).
Leadership (Leader, Chief Whip), is elected by the National Council.
MPs review policies and coordinate with the National Executive Committee.
Article 14: Special Organs
- Focuses on recruiting women
- Advocating for gender equality
- and opposing discriminatory policies.
- Targets youth (under 40) for recruitment
- Addresses education/unemployment issues
- and establishes Campus branches.
- Â The National Council may create additional bodies.
Article 15: Council of Elders
- Advise the party, resolve disputes, and assist with fundraising.
- Senior members (65+ years) with significant contributions to the party.
- National and Regional Councils of Elders.
Article 16: Auditors
A firm audits the party’s finances annually.
Article 17: Rules and Regulations
- Supplementary rules may be created to guide party operations at all levels.
Article 18: Amendments
- Two-thirds majority vote at the National Delegates Conference.
Prior notice circulated to all regions/constituencies.
Article 19: Revocation of 1992 Constitution
This 2009 Constitution replaces the 1992 version.
References
- New Patriotic Party Constitution (Latest Edition): Available through the NPP Headquarters or official party website (www.nppghana.org).
- 1992 Constitution of Ghana: Provides the legal basis for political party operations in Ghana.
- Academic paper: “Democratic Processes within Ghana’s Political Parties” by Dr. Kofi Asante, Ghana Political Review Journal, 2022.
- Reports from NPP National Conferences and Congresses.