The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully re-run its Bantema Constituency executive election at the Kumasi Cultural Centre. This crucial internal party exercise occurred under tight security, ensuring order and adherence to party regulations.
The re-run became necessary after the NPP’s National Steering Committee annulled the initial election. That initial poll took place on Sunday, July 11, 2026. The Committee cited significant breaches of party directives, election regulations, and existing court orders as reasons for nullifying the earlier results.
This development fits into a broader narrative of political parties in Ghana striving for internal cohesion and democratic integrity. Maintaining transparent and fair internal elections is vital for public trust and party unity, especially as the country approaches the 2028 general elections. The annulment and subsequent re-run underscore the NPP's commitment to its constitutional guidelines.
Despite the National Steering Committee's decision, reports indicated that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, had sworn into office those elected during the annulled election. This action created tension within the constituency. It also raised questions about party authority and internal discipline, prompting the party to insist on the re-run.
The re-run election saw the involvement of officials from the Electoral Commission, a significant contrast to the initial election which lacked such oversight. A total of 1,258 delegates were expected to cast their ballots. Three different voting centers were established at the polling venue to facilitate a smooth and efficient process. National and regional representatives closely supervised the re-run to ensure strict adherence to the NPP’s constitution and electoral guidelines. Security personnel from the Ghana Police Service were deployed to maintain law and order throughout the day.
The process, scheduled to conclude by 4 PM, aimed to elect new constituency executives. These executives will lead the party’s activities in Bantema ahead of the 2028 general elections. The NPP leadership has affirmed its commitment to upholding due process and fostering unity within its party structures, particularly in the Ashanti Region. The position of Chairman was keenly contested between the incumbent, Fiifi Mensah, and his vice, Kingsley Atta. In the annulled election, Kingsley Atta defeated Fiifi Mensah with 714 votes, representing 72.8% of the 995 valid votes cast. Fiifi Mensah secured 267 votes, accounting for 27.2%.
The successful conduct of this re-run election will likely strengthen the NPP's internal democratic credentials. It also sets a precedent for how the party addresses internal disputes. Future internal elections will be closely watched for similar adherence to regulations. This outcome will influence voter perception and party stability as the 2028 general elections draw closer.