NPP Flagbearer Race: Election Watch Ghana Raises Alarm Over Unprecedented Vote Buying Ahead of Vote
- Election Watch Ghana has raised an alarm over unprecedented vote buying in New Patriotic Party primary elections
- Candidates are allegedly spending tens of millions of cedis to sway delegates' decisions ahead of elections
- The group called on the Electoral Commission to take urgent steps to address the alleged irregularities
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Election Watch Ghana has raised concerns over what it describes as unprecedented vote buying ahead of the New Patriotic Party primary.
The election monitoring group warned that the integrity of the country’s democratic process is under serious threat because of this.
Source: Facebook
Citi News reported that the group said findings from its community engagements indicate that some candidates are allegedly deploying huge sums of money to influence delegates’ decisions.
“We are alarmed by reports of unprecedented vote buying in the upcoming January 31st elections. The integrity of our democratic process is under threat as candidates with deep pockets threaten to undermine the will of the people."
According to Election Watch Ghana, serious contenders are reportedly allocating over GH¢150 million in cash to sway delegates.
This could be through hotel accommodation, transportation, feeding and payment of per diems.
“Our findings show that serious candidates are allocating substantial resources, reportedly between GH¢150 million to GH¢200 million cash, to influence delegates’ decisions through lavish offers."
The group called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to take urgent steps to address the alleged irregularities and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
Election Watch Ghana also encouraged citizens and party stakeholders to report any suspected cases of vote buying to the commission, providing the Commission’s toll-free line, 0800324324, for that purpose.
The aspirants in the race are Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyepong.
Despite being the NPP flagbearer who lost the 2024 general election, Bawumia has stood out as the clear frontrunner in the NPP flagbearer race over the last year.
The candidates recently signed a peace pact, committing to a peaceful process.
Akufo-Addo advises flagbearer aspirants
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo warned aspirants that the NPP was bigger than any individual.
Akufo-Addo stressed that unity was critical to the party.
“Unity is not an option, a strategic necessity to victory,” he said at the Peace Pact signing involving the five NPP presidential aspirants on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also cautioned all the aspirants to rise above short-term emotions.
Bryan Acheampong urges delegates to reject Bawumia
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported that Acheampong cautioned delegates against electing Bawumia to represent the formation in the 2028 elections.
He said that there was a need for the NPP to choose a candidate likely to win, noting that leadership remains a key factor in securing victory.
Despite past governance shortcomings, Acheampong believes Ghanaians will forgive the party, but the candidate challenge must first be overcome.
Source: YEN.com.gh
