NPP external branches demand ROPAA implementation roadmap ahead of delegates conference

The External Branches of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are demanding a detailed timeline for implementing the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2006, also known as ROPAA, to allow Ghanaians living abroad to vote in national elections. At a press conference before the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, the group expressed frustration that Ghanaians abroad have been waiting two decades for their voting rights under the law.

They are requesting the Electoral Commission (EC) to publish a costed plan within 90 days, outlining the legal framework, voter registration, and voting arrangements, with full implementation prior to the 2028 elections. The External Branches are also advocating for reforms to the NPP's internal electoral system, including secure electronic voting for members abroad and increased representation for External Branches in party decision-making structures.

They welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on broader participation in internal party elections and called on the incoming NPP leadership to publish a programme detailing how this decision will be implemented. The group also requested a comprehensive investigation into the alleged seizure of cocaine at a Ghanaian port, seeking to determine if negligence, procedural lapses, or collusion led to the incident.

They urged the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to engage exporters to assess whether the incident caused delays, additional costs, or other disruptions to legitimate trade. The External Branches emphasized the importance of freedom of expression, but stressed that threats, incitement, and deliberate falsehoods should be addressed through lawful processes.

They also opposed a proposed constitutional amendment that would make the NPP's presidential candidate the party leader, arguing for the retention of the provision that designates the National Chairperson as the party's leader.