Former Member of Parliament for Subin, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has called for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to adopt a 'one-member, one-vote' system. This proposal aims to broaden internal democratic participation. It comes after the NPP's defeat in both the presidential race and parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election.
Mr. Antwi, an aspirant for the NPP General Secretary position, argued that expanding voting rights to all card-bearing members would strengthen the party's connection with ordinary Ghanaians. He believes this change will position the party more competitively for future elections. He stated this on Adom 106.3 FM, presenting the idea as a natural progression for the party's democratic evolution rather than a rejection of current structures.
The NPP's 2024 election outcome triggered significant discussion about necessary structural and organisational changes to restore its governmental standing. Mr. Antwi's call for internal democratic reform is central to this conversation. This proposal is not new; the Jimmy Heymann Committee, chaired by Dr. Jimmy Heymann, recommended a 'one-member, one-vote' system as far back as 2009. Several reform committees have since echoed this conclusion, underscoring a long-standing internal demand for such changes.
Mr. Antwi expressed disappointment that the party missed an opportunity to implement these reforms at the July 2025 National Delegates Conference in Legon. He rejected logistical challenges as an excuse, noting the recommendation has been available for over 15 years. He highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement, drawing on his own experience after his selection as a parliamentary candidate in June 2015.
He described how he spent months engaging with constituents directly in Subin, visiting houses, churches, and mosques. This hands-on approach, he argues, makes leaders effective at the national level. He further recalled organisational lessons from 2016, where deploying agents to every polling station contributed significantly to the NPP's victory that year. This strategic deployment ensured transparency and accountability for election results, which was a key factor in their success.
Mr. Antwi acknowledged the NPP's unpreparedness in the 2024 election. He emphasized that election campaigns require thorough preparation and understanding of potential challenges on the ground. The 2024 defeat resulted from multiple political, economic, and organisational factors. However, deepening internal democracy, expanding participation, investing in a youth focus, and strengthening polling station structures represent a crucial renewal agenda for the party. This multi-faceted approach, he believes, is essential for the NPP to rebuild and succeed in future electoral contests.