Former Minister of Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has called on delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reject proposals that do not expand the party’s Electoral College to include polling station executives.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with EIB News’ Ashanti regional correspondent, Isaac Justice Bediako ahead of the party’s extraordinary delegates’ conference scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Accra, Mr. Asamoah Boateng expressed concern that delegates had not been given enough time to properly review the 59 proposals submitted for consideration.
According to him, many of the proposals were only circulated to constituencies in the past week, leaving little room for meaningful discussions before the conference.
“I urge them to pick up the proposals, study them carefully, and deliberate thoroughly before we meet on Saturday,” he said.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng described the proposals as critical to shaping the future of the party but cautioned against rushing through amendments that could alienate the grassroots.
He stressed that one key amendment allowing polling station executives to be part of the electoral college would make the party more inclusive and reduce tensions at the grassroots level.
“We need to show that this is an all inclusive party. Bringing polling station executives into the voting process will strengthen the base and remove the perception that decisions are imposed from the top,” he explained.
He further argued that expanding the voting base would also help reduce the influence of money in internal elections.
“When only a few people vote, it becomes easier for money to influence decisions. If we expand the base, people will vote because of their commitment to the party, not because of what they receive,” he added.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng urged delegates to table a motion on the floor during the conference to ensure polling station executives are included in the electoral college as a bare minimum reform.
He also proposed that the party set a target of implementing a “one member, one vote” system within two years to deepen internal democracy.
“The National Delegates’ Conference is the highest decision making body of our party. Let us take bold decisions that strengthen our party at the grassroots and secure its future,” he concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice bediako
