The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Election Committee, chaired by former Bekwai MP Joseph Osei-Owusu, has confirmed that all suspended members will be barred from voting until they complete the official procedures for reinstatement.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, November 6, Mr. Osei-Owusu clarified that individuals who forfeited their membership and later sought to rejoin the party would be treated as new entrants, without the privilege of voting or reclaiming previous positions.
“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 explained.
He added that such members must restart the membership process, with a mandatory two-year period before they can contest any party position.
“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,” Mr. Osei-Owusu said.
The Committee Chair also revealed that the voter album will be presented to presidential aspirants on November 13, 2025, and expressed confidence in the Committee’s preparedness for the party’s primaries, scheduled for January 2026.
The five aspirants vying for the NPP’s presidential slot ahead of the 2028 general elections are former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former Agriculture Minister and Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, and former Education Minister Dr. Osei Adutwum.