Former Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa Manu, has suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) review its delegates' system of electing leaders, including candidates contesting for Members of Parliament (MP).

He is advocating for a system that opens up the process to party members in good standing and also discourages monetisation of politics.

“I think we have to have a relook at our delegate system. The way we organise our elections is something we need to have a look at. I personally have a problem with the way we have our internal elections. Why is it that just the delegates determine who becomes a Member of Parliament, flag bearer and all of that,” he asked.

Speaking on Nhyira FM’s 'Kuro Yi Mu Nsem' show, the MP for Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency expressed concern about the amount of money spent on delegates in the internal election.

According to him, only “party cardholders in good standing” with the party should be allowed to be delegates.

“If it were up to me, like we should have all card-bearing members in good standing, emphasis on good standing, should be allowed to vote to determine who leads the party. The rest would not be allowed in that election,” he opined.

Mr. Amankwa Manu also observed the delegates often feel entitled to gifts they receive in the form of cash.

“These delegates have become entitled to these gifts because it has become a tradition, but it is not helping. You need a lot of money to become an MP,” he bemoaned.

The former Deputy Minister of Defence explained that it is not necessary to give delegates money for votes because the rest of Ghanaians will still vote for who they want, and not the choice of delegates.

“When you look at the delegate system, at the end of the day they’ll elect you because of the money you’ve paid but the majority of the people in the constituency will take the final decision,” he said.

He is expecting a review of the delegates’ system before the next party’s election.