The Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) USA branch, Yaa Frimpomaa Amponsah, has publicly condemned the party’s decision to uphold the ban on proxy voting as the 2026 presidential primaries approach.
Her remarks come on the heels of an announcement from the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, which mandates that all delegates be physically present to cast their votes.
A Call for Inclusivity
Amponsah expressed her concerns during an interview on Citi FM on November 21, 2025.
She emphasised that the decision undermines the principle of inclusivity and the democratic rights of many party members.
“Proxy is a feature of an election that is enshrined in our laws. The framers of our laws and constitution were very clear that vulnerability can cause someone not to participate in the democratic process, so they made safeguards to protect such people,” she stated emphatically.
Her criticisms hinge on Regulation 25 of CI 127, which stipulates the conditions under which proxy voting is permissible. This includes provisions for individuals who are sick, disabled, or otherwise unable to vote in person due to circumstances beyond their control.
Disenfranchising Loyal Members
Amponsah strongly argues that the party’s insistence on in-person voting is a direct threat to the democratic rights of its loyal members, many of whom reside abroad, are in school, or have dedicated years of service to the party.
“For you to sacrifice the statute on the altar of convenience, it has to protect the sanctity of what you are doing—not the sanctity of the people, the state, those who have traveled, those who are in school. They have the right under the law to exercise the franchise given to them,” she added.
Her statements reflect a growing frustration among NPP members who feel that their voices are not being heard. Recent petitions filed by various party factions have called for reconsideration of the proxy voting ban, citing the need for equitable participation in the electoral process.
A Countering Perspective
Contrasting Amponsah’s views, the Presidential Elections Committee, led by Joe Osei Owusu, has asserted that the ban is essential for maintaining a transparent and incident-free election.
“We believe that having delegates physically present will ensure a more reliable electoral process free from potential misconduct that could arise from proxy voting,” Owusu contended.
This decision means that all eligible delegates will be required to travel to their polling centres for the presidential primaries, adding layers of logistical challenges, particularly for those based outside Ghana.