Kingsley Atta and Dr. Ofori-Appiah Secure Victories as Violence and Legal Hurdles Mar NPP Constituency Polls

13th July•3 min read•30 sources

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) concluded a high-stakes weekend of constituency executive elections across Ghana between July 11 and 13, 2026, characterized by significant leadership shifts, violent disruptions, and a growing concern over the monetization of internal party processes. In a major upset in the Bantama constituency, Kingsley Atta was elected Chairman with 714 votes, unseating the incumbent Fiifi Mensah in a rescheduled poll on July 12. Similarly, in Atwima Nwabiagya South, legal practitioner Dr. Eugene Danquah Ofori-Appiah ousted the incumbent Stephen Boateng, securing 742 votes to Boateng’s 621. These victories reflect a broader trend of delegates seeking fresh leadership as the party begins its strategic realignment for the 2028 general elections.

While many areas reported successful outcomes, the electoral process was marred by pockets of violence and legal interventions. In Bantama, three individuals were arrested after a confrontation on July 11 led to the destruction of electoral materials and injuries to party members. The chaos forced the party to conduct the election without Electoral Commission supervision due to an eleventh-hour court injunction. Legal hurdles also halted proceedings elsewhere; the Sefwi Wiawso High Court placed an injunction on the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai elections following grievances from seven aspirants, while polls in Atwima Mponua were postponed indefinitely after a Kumasi High Court ruling cited the exclusion of delegates from earlier polling station elections.

Beyond physical disruptions, the integrity of the voting process faced scrutiny from within. Several candidates and officials voiced alarm over the "monetization" of the elections. In a viral video, an aspirant named Alex lamented that nearly all 1,600 voters in his constituency requested financial incentives before casting their ballots. Similar reports emerged from the Bongo constituency, where research officer Ake’ema-Kapoe Lawrence noted that delegates delayed voting while waiting for cash gifts. These incidents have sparked a debate within the party regarding the sustainability of its internal democratic structures and the influence of money on delegate loyalty.

Despite these challenges, newly elected executives have largely focused on a message of reconciliation. In Techiman North, re-elected Chairman Dr. Stephen Appiagyei Donkor called for immediate unity to counter the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028. This sentiment was echoed in Ho West by David Selorm Dartey and in Asante-Akim South by Kyei Noah, who narrowly retained his seat by just 12 votes. The party leadership has emphasized that these elections are a critical foundation for grassroots mobilization, urging defeated candidates to prioritize collective success over personal disappointment.

Looking ahead, the NPP National Council has mandated that all branches complete any outstanding chapter elections by July 19, 2026. This deadline is a strict prerequisite for participating in the upcoming branch elections scheduled for August 8, 2026. As the party works to resolve pending legal disputes in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai and Atwima Mponua, the focus remains on ensuring a fully constituted party structure that can support the national campaign efforts under the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

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Kingsley Atta and Dr. Ofori-Appiah Secure Victories as Violence and Legal Hurdles Mar NPP Constituency Polls

More from politics

Minister Adjei Pledges Defence Modernization as Adamus Resources Challenges Ghana’s Mining Lease Revocation

NPP and NDC Clash Over 24-Hour Economy Implementation as Mahama Administration Reaches Performance Milestones

Mayor Allotey Deploys AMA Taskforce to Enforce Transport Fares and Safety Regulations in Accra

President Mahama Champions Religious Tolerance Amid Economic Tensions and Labor Unrest