NPP External Branches demand 90-day roadmap for ROPAA implementation

The External Branches of Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) are urging the party to provide a detailed, time-bound plan for implementing the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2006, also known as ROPAA, prior to the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi. This group of members in Ghana, who reside abroad, have been eagerly awaiting the right to vote under this law for two decades and are expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing delay.

They are demanding that the Electoral Commission release a comprehensive implementation plan, complete with costs, within 90 days. This plan should cover legal frameworks, registration procedures, and voting processes, with full implementation to be completed before the 2028 general elections.

In addition to electoral reform, the External Branches are advocating for changes to the NPP's internal electoral system. They propose secure electronic voting options for members who reside abroad and increased representation for these branches in the party's decision-making bodies. The group endorsed the Supreme Court's recent ruling on broader participation in internal party elections and urged the party's incoming leadership to outline a strategy for putting this ruling into practice.

The External Branches also called for a thorough investigation into the seizure of approximately four tonnes of cocaine allegedly connected to a container that arrived in Ghana. They are seeking clarity on whether the incident involved negligence, procedural failures, or collusion, and urged authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, regardless of the source of the evidence.

The group highlighted the potential implications of the cocaine case on legitimate Ghanaian exporters, warning that heightened scrutiny of Ghanaian cargo could lead to delays and increased costs for businesses. They urged the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to engage with exporters and assess whether the case has impacted legitimate trade.

Concerning freedom of expression, the External Branches emphasized the importance of allowing citizens to criticize the government without fear of intimidation. They also stressed that threats, incitement, and deliberate falsehoods should be dealt with through lawful channels. They referenced the case of nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh and called for her release based on appropriate bail through the judicial process.

The External Branches, representing 30 branches across Ghana, recently submitted proposals for amendments to Article 8 of the NPP Constitution and related provisions. These suggestions aim to increase representation for External Branches on the National Executive Committee and National Council, strengthen Chapter participation, establish uniform structures for branches abroad, and provide a constitutional basis for voting in members' countries of residence.

The group called on delegates attending the Kumasi conference to maintain unity following internal party contests and expressed readiness to contribute resources, expertise, and organizational support to the party’s future endeavors.