Voting is underway nationwide as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) elects its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections today, Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The presidential primary, a pivotal event for the opposition party following its defeat in the 2024 polls, sees over 211,000 delegates casting ballots at more than 300 polling centres across the country. Delegates are participating in what is described as one of the most significant internal exercises in the NPP’s recent history, aimed at selecting the candidate to lead the party into the next presidential race.
Voting commenced early in various constituencies, with reports of smooth processes under tight security. In the Greater Accra Region, polling started at locations including the Jamestown Police Station in Odododiodioo Constituency (where 1,314 delegates are expected), Light Academy in Adentan, Social Welfare Centre in Madina, Korle Bu Police Station in Ablekuma South (starting at 7:18 a.m.), Maranatha University College (7:20 a.m., 1,465 delegates), Odorkor Saleria Basic Schools 1 and 2 in Ablekuma North (1,482 delegates across two stations), New Gbawe 1 M/A Primary School in Weija-Gbawe (7:15 a.m.), and Dome Kwabenya (7:00 a.m.).
Other centres reported openings such as Teshie Anglican Primary ‘B’, Harrow International Preparatory School in Okaikwei Central, Ayawaso North (first ballot at 7:10 a.m.), and the Pastoral Centre in Sunyani East.
In the Western Region, voting is progressing at Effia Constituency (501 delegates, with nine ballots cast by 7:16 a.m. under heavy police presence), while in the Northern Region, polls are active at Bimbilla (starting at 7:10 a.m.).
Security has been heightened nationwide, with thousands of police officers deployed to polling stations to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and orderly process. The NPP leadership has appealed to delegates to exercise their franchise responsibly and to maintain party unity once results are announced.
Five aspirants are vying for the flagbearership: former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The contest follows months of intense campaigning, policy discussions, and regional engagements by the contenders. Earlier this month, all five aspirants signed a peace pact, pledging to accept the outcome and promote unity within the party irrespective of who emerges victorious.
The election outcome will not only determine the NPP’s presidential candidate for 2028 but also serve as a key indicator of the party’s internal dynamics and cohesion as it seeks to rebound from its previous electoral setback.
Results are expected later today as voting concludes and collation begins.