The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Presidential Election Committee (PEC) has delivered a strict interpretation of the party's constitutional rules on discipline, announcing that all members who forfeited their party membership have automatically lost their voting rights and cannot hold previous positions unless they complete a full re-entry process.

The directive, issued today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, by the PEC Chairman, Joseph Osei Owusu (former MP for Bekwai), is a crucial pre-primary decision that will significantly impact the composition of the party's electoral college ahead of the January 2026 presidential primaries.

The directive also applies to those who contested or campaigned against official NPP candidates.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Osei Owusu emphasised that the party’s recent amnesty does not apply to those who voluntarily gave up their membership by working against the party's interest.

He clarified that such individuals are treated as starting their political journey afresh, regardless of prior seniority or tenure.

“You lose membership when you contest against a party candidate or when you campaign for a candidate other than the party’s candidate. It is automatic. So, the party’s amnesty was specific that anybody who has a punishment hanging over their heads has been granted amnesty, except those who have forfeited their membership. If you have forfeited your membership, then apply,” he stated.

Osei Owusu further detailed the stringent conditions for reinstatement under the NPP's constitutional guidelines:

“Generally, my view has been that you forfeit your membership today, and if you rejoin, you are a beginner. Until two years have elapsed, you do not qualify to compete for any position. If you had a voting right and you lost your membership, you may have rejoined, but you don’t return to your position. You are starting afresh; therefore, you do not qualify,” he added.

This ruling confirms that scores of individuals, particularly those who broke ranks to contest as independent candidates in the 2024 general elections, will be excluded from participating as delegates in the forthcoming primaries.

The NPP is preparing for the highly anticipated contest to select its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

The PEC Chairman confirmed that the committee is on schedule and fully ready for the January 2026 primaries.

The critical date for candidate preparations is set for November 13, 2025, when the Committee plans to officially present the final voter album to the five candidates vying for the presidential slot.

Five high-profile NPP stalwarts have been officially cleared to contest the presidential slot:

1. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia: Former Vice President
2. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong: Former General Secretary
3. Dr. Bryan Acheampong: Former Agriculture Minister and sitting MP for Abetifi
4. Kennedy Agyapong: Former Assin Central MP
5. Osei Adutwum: Former Education Minister

The PEC's constitutional interpretation ensures that only fully compliant party members will be eligible to cast their vote in a primary expected to involve an electoral college of over 200,000 delegates across Ghana.