The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is making extensive preparations for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, an event crucial for selecting the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming 2028 general elections. These preparations include robust security measures, a commitment to transparency, and the signing of a comprehensive peace pact by all five aspirants to ensure unity and a credible electoral process.

Security for the primaries is being solely handled by the Ghana Police Service, a request formally made by the NPP. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has provided strong assurances of the police's readiness, confirming that comprehensive operational plans are finalized. The police have identified all 333 polling stations nationwide, which will serve an estimated 211,000 delegates. To guarantee a peaceful and orderly election, a minimum of 70 police officers will be deployed to each polling station, leading to a total deployment of approximately 23,310 personnel. Additionally, senior police officers will supervise operations across the country, employing a layered security strategy that includes inner, middle, and heavily reinforced outer deployments. While the police will lead security operations nationwide, military support has been specifically requested for the Bawku enclave due to its unique security situation, with the military remaining on standby in other regions. The IGP emphasized that extensive training and coordination with regional commanders have been completed, instilling confidence in their readiness.

NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the primaries, assuring that security agencies would decisively handle offenders. Speaking at the peace pact signing on January 22, he underscored the party's commitment to conducting the internal elections in a free, fair, and secure environment. He also appealed to the presidential aspirants to maintain restraint and uphold party unity, stressing that no single aspirant could secure victory in the 2028 general elections without collective support and reconciliation after the primaries. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also expressed confidence in the Ghana Police Service, commending the IGP and his officers for their reassuring presence and undertakings.

The fairness and transparency of the electoral process are paramount, as highlighted by Joseph Osei Owusu, former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the NPP’s presidential election committee. Despite having retired from active politics, Mr. Osei Owusu accepted the role out of a firm conviction that the process must be fair, transparent, and widely accepted. He explained that the committee’s overriding objective has been to deliver a result that all contestants and party stakeholders can trust, navigating intense pressure and competing interests. The process began with the development of clear rules, which were thoroughly discussed and agreed upon with all contestants. Consistent application of these rules was essential to building confidence. Furthermore, contestants were involved at every stage of the delegate register’s compilation and dispute resolution, ensuring consensus and preventing any perception of bias. The management of the voting process itself has been entrusted to the Electoral Commission, with all details shared with contestants for their input.

A critical component of these preparations is the peace pact, signed by all five NPP presidential aspirants: Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Mr. Kwabena Agyepong. This agreement commits them to unity, respect for the electoral process, acceptance of results, and unwavering support for the eventual winner. The pact also stipulates that candidates will refrain from actions or rhetoric that could disrupt party cohesion and will utilize the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms for any disputes. This collective commitment aims to strengthen party unity and enhance its prospects in the 2028 general elections.