Rebuild party structures before picking 2028 Flagbearer – NPP Dep. Protocol Director

Kwabena Frimpong, the Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has serious concerns. He opposes proposals to elect the party’s 2028 flagbearer before restructuring its internal structures.

In an open letter to the party's National Chairman and General Secretary, he expressed his worries. He believes that choosing a flagbearer first could harm internal democracy. It may also weaken the foundational structures of the party.

Frimpong emphasized that NPP's strength comes from grassroots polling stations and local leadership. He warned that reversing this order would sideline these voices. This change could expose the party to manipulation and disunity.

He cautioned that selecting a flagbearer first might lead to favoritism. It could result in loyalists being imposed on other party members, eroding transparency in elections. The influence of a flagbearer over unfinished structures may create power imbalances.

Frimpong argued for electing party executives first. This approach would ensure checks and balances during campaign structure formation. A balanced leadership fosters unity and avoids exclusionary politics based on loyalty alone.

In his letter, Frimpong stated his commitment to NPP's democratic traditions. He strongly opposes electing a flagbearer before filling other internal positions. This idea contradicts their long-standing practices and threatens grassroots participation.

He noted that NPP's strength lies in its committed base at all levels. Electing a flagbearer first undermines this structure and weakens democracy within the party.

Frimpong highlighted risks of imposed leadership if a flagbearer is chosen early. This could lead to favoritism and manipulation among candidates, creating divisions within the party.

Historically, NPP has avoided internal strife by rebuilding its structures first. Choosing a flagbearer before this process risks deepening factionalism among members.

He stressed that their electoral tradition prioritizes organization before presidential ambitions. Changing this process arbitrarily could set a dangerous precedent for future elections.

A solid executive base is crucial for effective mobilization during national elections. Without elected local executives, a flagbearer lacks necessary support for campaigning effectively.

Electing executives before choosing a flagbearer enhances checks and balances in forming campaign teams. This ensures diverse representation rather than just loyalists of one candidate.

Frimpong concluded by urging adherence to bottom-up leadership selection traditions established since 1992. He believes it is vital for building a strong, united party ahead of the 2028 election.

He likened building a political structure to constructing a house: you must start from the ground up, not top down.

Thank you,
Kwabena Frimpong
Deputy Protocol Director, NPP