NPP Dismisses Reports of Disqualifying a Presidential Aspirant

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has refuted circulating reports claiming that one of its presidential aspirants has been disqualified from the party’s upcoming presidential primary.

Speaking on JoyNews Prime on Wednesday, October 8, the NPP’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, clarified that the party has not issued any official communication regarding the disqualification of any aspirant.

“The party hasn’t made any official statement regarding the disqualification of any of the members who have filed for the contest,” he said. “I want to make it clear that the party will communicate on such matters through the proper channels, and that has already been stated by the General Secretary.”

His comments follow reports alleging that Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, one of the party’s flagbearer hopefuls, had been given a 48-hour ultimatum to pay a GH₵4 million development fee or risk disqualification from the race.

Haruna Mohammed dismissed these claims, noting that issues of qualification and disqualification are governed by the NPP’s constitution and are handled exclusively by the Presidential Vetting Committee.

“At the appropriate time, the party will communicate to the general public on these matters. But as we stand now, there is no official communication on any disqualification,” he emphasized.

Addressing the alleged payment of the development fee, Mr. Mohammed stated that the Elections Committee had already clarified its stance on the issue, and any further updates would be made through official party channels.

“As to whether the money has been paid or not, the Elections Committee has already stated its position, and that hasn’t changed. If there’s any update, it will be communicated,” he added.

The Deputy General Secretary urged the media, party supporters, and the general public to disregard unverified claims and allow the party’s internal processes to proceed without speculation.

“As a party, we have not made any official disqualification announcement. We urge the public to allow the procedures to conclude before we make an official statement,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NPP has officially announced that balloting for the 2026 presidential primary will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the party’s national headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.

In a statement signed by William Yamoah, Secretary to the Presidential Elections Committee, all vetted aspirants have been invited to participate in the exercise, which will determine their positions on the ballot paper.

The statement, addressed to the five cleared aspirants — Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong — congratulated them on successfully passing the vetting stage and encouraged their continued cooperation in promoting the party’s democratic values.