A growing political tension within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is raising eyebrows across Ghana as reports emerge that a significant number of the party's members intend to stand as independent candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to John Boadu, the former General Secretary of the NPP, between 30 to 40 prominent members of the party have already expressed their intention to run as independents.
Speaking in an interview on Neat 100.9 FM with Mac Jerry Osei Agyemang, Boadu described the situation as a troubling sign of division within the NPP at the constituency level. He revealed that his information was based on internal sources and confirmed that these members are prepared to break away from the party due to unresolved grievances and misunderstandings within their respective constituencies.
“This is not just speculation,” Boadu said. “There are concrete indications that up to 40 NPP MPs plan to stand as independent candidates in the upcoming elections. It’s not just the three MPs we’ve been hearing about recently—this problem is more widespread.”
The revelation comes at a time when political tensions are already high in the country, with the general elections approaching. Many Ghanaians have expressed shock at the scale of the internal conflict within the NPP, which has traditionally prided itself on its unity and organizational strength. The defection of such a large number of MPs could have serious implications for the party’s chances in the parliamentary elections and potentially weaken its standing in Parliament.
Boadu also took time to clarify a legal issue that has been raised in Parliament regarding the seats of MPs who decide to run as independents. According to him, an MP’s seat cannot be declared vacant unless either the MP or the party’s national executives officially inform the Speaker of Parliament that the member is no longer with the party.
“The constitution is clear: a seat cannot be declared vacant just because an MP decides to go independent. The Speaker has to receive an official notification from either the MP or the party’s leadership before any action can be taken,” Boadu explained.
As the election date draws near, it remains to be seen how the NPP will address this growing wave of independent candidacies.
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