NPP directs parliamentary aspirants to suspend campaign activities

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has instructed all parliamentary aspirants to cease all campaign activities immediately, threatening to bar those who do not from participating in the party's upcoming parliamentary primaries. In a Sunday statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party revealed it had been alerted to candidates engaging in early campaigning in their areas.

The NPP deemed such conduct a breach of its regulations and Code of Conduct, fearing it would introduce unfair advantages and discord into the selection process. The directive applies to candidates, their aides and supporters, mandating an immediate end to any form of campaigning. This includes removing promotional materials, canceling rallies, suspending meeting with electoral officials, halting door-to-door canvassing, and halting gift-giving to party members.

Paid media and social media ads promoting specific candidates are also prohibited. The party's officials at all electoral levels have been warned against promoting candidates on social media or facilitating premature campaigning. Non-compliance could result in disciplinary measures, potentially disqualifying individuals from contesting the primaries.

The party has not yet released a timetable for the selection process, with regional and national NPP executives given the responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to the directive in their areas. The NPP urged members to cooperate to preserve discipline and fairness as the party prepares for the candidate selection.