The Supreme Court has fixed July 29, 2026, as the date it will deliver its judgment in a case that could fundamentally alter how political parties in Ghana choose their leaders and flagbearers.
The suit, filed by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe and former Lands and Forestry Minister Dr Christine Amoako-Nuamah, questions the constitutionality of the delegate system used in internal party elections.
Ahead of the ruling, the apex court dismissed an application by the Liberal Party of Ghana to be joined to the proceedings.
A seven-member panel ruled that the party failed to seek joinder within the required period. After hearing arguments from its legal representatives, the court concluded that the application had not been made within a reasonable time.
Plaintiffs challenge delegate system
At the heart of the case is the delegate-based electoral college model adopted by major political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
The plaintiffs contend that the current arrangement concentrates voting power in the hands of a limited group made up of party executives, office holders and selected delegates. They argue that this effectively shuts out the majority of ordinary party members from participating in the selection of presidential and parliamentary candidates.
According to the suit, the system creates an elite voting bloc while denying equal participation to rank-and-file members who remain in good standing within their parties.
The plaintiffs further maintain that such an arrangement conflicts with the democratic values of equality, inclusion and participation guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.
Represented by lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, they argue that political parties occupy a constitutional role and must therefore conduct their internal affairs in a manner that reflects democratic governance.
Their preferred alternative is a universal suffrage model within political parties, under which every member in good standing would be entitled to vote directly in internal elections.
Reliefs being sought
The action specifically targets provisions in the constitutions of the NPP, NDC and CPP that establish delegate-based voting systems for electing party executives and presidential candidates.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has also been named as a defendant in the case. The plaintiffs accuse the Commission of failing to enforce provisions of the Political Parties Act that require political parties to maintain internal structures consistent with democratic principles.
Among the declarations and orders being sought are:
- A declaration that the delegate systems of the NPP, NDC and CPP are unconstitutional.
- An order directing the parties to amend their constitutions to allow all members in good standing to vote directly and equally in internal elections.
- A directive compelling the Electoral Commission to examine party constitutions and ensure compliance with democratic standards.
- A declaration affirming equal voting rights and political equality for all party members regardless of rank or position.
The upcoming judgment is widely expected to have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s political landscape. Should the court rule in favour of the plaintiffs, political parties may be required to overhaul their internal electoral systems, potentially transforming how parliamentary candidates, party leaders and presidential nominees are selected.
