Ghana’s biggest opposition party New Patriotic Party (NPP) is poised to make history on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as it holds its 19th National Annual Delegates Conference at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon.
This significant gathering marks a pivotal moment in the party’s evolution as it seeks to chart a new course following its electoral defeat in December 2024.
The conference will be held under the theme “Rebuilding Together with Our Values,” reflecting the party’s commitment to internal reform and organizational restructuring. This theme encapsulates the NPP’s strategic focus on returning to its foundational principles while adapting to contemporary political realities.
The choice of venue holds particular significance. The University of Ghana Sports Stadium, located in the heart of Legon, provides a neutral and spacious environment capable of accommodating the party’s large delegation.
The venue, along with accommodation arrangements at UPSA and Valley View University, has been secured with all payments completed, demonstrating the party’s commitment to proceeding with the conference despite some internal calls for postponement.
The National Planning Committee, chaired by Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, has announced comprehensive guidelines to ensure the conference proceeds smoothly.
In a notable departure from typical political gatherings, the NPP has issued a firm directive banning all forms of campaign-related materials including billboards, banners, posters, and even branded T-shirts at the venue.
This strategic decision reflects the party’s intention to prioritize constitutional amendments and policy discussions over individual political ambitions. The emphasis on substance over showmanship signals a mature approach to party governance, focusing on long-term institutional building rather than short-term political maneuvering.
The conference has not been without controversy. Two NPP members, Shamsudeen Iddrisu and Boateng Kwadwo, have filed a motion at the High Court in Accra seeking to halt the proceedings, though the party leadership remains resolute in proceeding as planned.
Additionally, a group of level 400 students at the University of Ghana has prepared to petition the University’s Sports Directorate to block the conference due to concerns about COVID-19 resurgence, highlighting the ongoing public health considerations surrounding large gatherings.
The 19th National Delegates Conference represents more than a routine party gathering; it embodies the NPP’s response to its current opposition status. With 5,675 accredited delegates expected to convene, the conference will serve as a platform for critical decision-making about the party’s future direction.
The focus on constitutional amendments suggests the NPP is taking a long-term view of political engagement, recognizing that sustainable political success requires strong institutional foundations. This approach contrasts with more immediate campaign-focused strategies, indicating a party willing to invest in fundamental organizational development.
As the NPP prepares for this crucial conference, the party faces the challenge of balancing unity with necessary reforms. The strict guidelines against campaign materials reflect an understanding that internal divisions must be managed carefully to maintain party cohesion.
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium will witness not just a political gathering, but a potential transformation of one of Ghana’s major political parties. Saturday’s proceedings will likely set the tone for the NPP’s approach to opposition politics and its preparations for future electoral contests.
This 19th National Delegates Conference represents a defining moment for the NPP, offering an opportunity to demonstrate that political parties can prioritize institutional development over immediate political gains. The outcomes of this gathering will undoubtedly influence Ghana’s political landscape for years to come.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
