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NPP Primaries Face Turbulence Amid Vote-Buying Allegations

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 7:51 GMT by Yen.com.gh
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Tema East, Ghana - January 31st, 2026 - The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) preparations for its crucial presidential primaries are already facing turbulence, with reports of delegate clashes and accusations of financial inducement surfacing from the Tema East constituency. The incident, which unfolded during a recent delegate meeting, signals a potentially divisive and contentious race as several hopefuls vie for the party's flagbearer position ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The immediate trigger for the unrest appears to be allegations directed at coordinators working on behalf of Bryan Acheampong, a prominent NPP figure and declared presidential hopeful. Delegates reportedly accused Acheampong's team of attempting to influence their voting decisions through the distribution of money. While specific amounts haven't been confirmed, sources within the constituency describe a chaotic scene marked by heated arguments, accusations, and counter-accusations.

This isn't simply a localized scuffle; it raises profound questions about the integrity of the entire primary process. The NPP, historically a strong advocate for democratic principles, now faces a potential crisis of confidence if such practices are proven widespread. The allegation of vote-buying strikes at the heart of fair elections and undermines the will of the party members.

Bryan Acheampong, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, is considered a strong contender in the NPP presidential race. His supporters tout his experience in government and his perceived ability to connect with grassroots members. However, these accusations could significantly damage his reputation and impede his chances of securing the nomination. Acheampong's camp has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations, though sources close to the campaign suggest they are taking the matter seriously and are preparing a statement defending their actions and the integrity of their team.

Beyond the immediate incident in Tema East, political analysts suggest this could be the tip of the iceberg. With multiple contenders - including current and former government officials - vying for the top spot, the pressure to secure delegate support is immense. Resources are being poured into campaigning, and the temptation to circumvent the rules and engage in unethical practices may be growing.

"We've seen this pattern before in Ghanaian politics, unfortunately," says Dr. Ama Serwaa, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana. "The primaries are often the most fiercely contested part of the electoral cycle. The stakes are high, and some candidates may be willing to compromise their principles to gain an advantage. The NPP needs to act decisively to demonstrate that it will not tolerate any form of electoral malfeasance."

The NPP National Executives are reportedly convening an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Tema East and to formulate a strategy to prevent similar incidents from occurring in other constituencies. Options under consideration include strengthening oversight of the primary process, increasing monitoring of delegate meetings, and establishing a clear mechanism for reporting and investigating allegations of misconduct. There's also discussion about potentially implementing stricter penalties for those found guilty of attempting to bribe delegates, ranging from disqualification from the race to legal prosecution.

The incident also reignites the debate around campaign finance regulations in Ghana. Currently, the regulations are relatively weak, with limited transparency regarding funding sources and spending limits. Calls are growing for a comprehensive overhaul of the system to promote fairness and prevent the undue influence of money in politics.

The coming weeks will be critical for the NPP. If the party fails to address these allegations effectively and restore confidence in the primary process, it risks fracturing its base and entering the 2028 general election with a divided front. The Tema East incident serves as a stark warning - the integrity of the NPP primaries, and indeed the future of the party, is hanging in the balance.