Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has sent a word of advice to the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the party's flagbearer race.

Speaking at the launch of the party’s new think tank, the Patriotic Institute, on Wednesday, 25 June, Mr Kufuor called on party supporters to elect a leader who is not influenced by religious and tribal bias.

“We are a democratic party and we uphold common humanity. In a democracy, we don’t go for tribe or religion or gender but the individual. It is one man, one vote, and if we want power, we have to present a person who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate,” he added.

He explained that the flagbearer should be one who can diligently serve the people of Ghana.

“We’ve been brushed by our opponents as a tribal party — and these days, we are even adding religion. If these things come from our own mouths, then I tell you, we are perpetuating it ourselves,” he lamented.

“Tell the truth to ourselves” and focus on selecting a leader who can unify the country and “help solve the problems of the community at large, so it benefits and spreads across the board for all,” he stated.

The NPP will hold its presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The decision was taken at a crucial meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, 17th June 2025, and later confirmed by the party's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua and also in an official statement.

"And the National Council today also made the decision that the date for our presidential primaries is set for January 31, 2026. That will be the date that we shall hold our presidential primaries" parts of the statement said.

This sets the stage for a decisive contest to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

The statement also revealed that "the Committee also spoke about the time for our presidential primaries. And again, the Committee agrees that that decision does not warrant amendment of our Constitution".

The primaries are anticipated to attract significant interest from both longstanding members and new contenders seeking to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle.

Party officials also noted that nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and the code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks, with the NEC promising party members a transparent and credible process that upholds the democratic values of the NPP.

Also speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 17, Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, explained that the seemingly early date slated for the party's primaries is intentional.

He noted that it is meant to give the chosen flagbearer a head start in policy communication and to foster stronger connections with both the international community and the business sector.

He believes this will reposition the party as a credible and prepared alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“It is going to market the candidate enough, particularly in terms of building contacts with the international community, the business community, and stakeholders across the globe,” he noted.

“We will have sufficient time to communicate our policies effectively and hold the government accountable.”

Also, given the NPP’s current minority status in Parliament, with only 88 seats, he believes an early start will help intensify external engagements.

“We need someone who can rise above internal distractions and rally support nationally and beyond to keep the government in check,” he added.