The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reportedly collected a total of Ghc23 million (equivalent to 230 billion old cedis) from its five presidential aspirants as part of the fees required to contest in the upcoming party primaries.
The NPP presidential primaries, set for January 31, are shaping up to be a significant contest within the party’s internal politics.
According to the party’s rules, aspirants must pay various fees to qualify.
Each aspirant was required to pay Ghc100,000 to pick nomination forms and an additional Ghc500,000 upon submission, bringing the combined fee for filing and picking forms to Ghc600,000 (6 billion old cedis).
Beyond these, the party introduced a development fee of Ghc4 million, which candidates must pay as a contribution toward party development.
This development fee has sparked controversy both within and outside the NPP, with critics accusing the party of monetizing the presidential election process.
Kwabena Agyapong, one of the aspirants, publicly criticized the fee, describing it as inappropriate and unfair.
However, investigations reveal that he has already paid the fee he labeled as illegal.
Former NPP National Chairman Paul Afoko also expressed concern, questioning why the party, despite eight years in government, had not developed sufficient resources and was now imposing heavy fees on aspirants while in opposition.
The five ‘billionaires’ aspirants who have paid these fees include Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the party’s 2024 flagbearer; Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former MP for Assin Central; Dr. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi; Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, former NPP General Secretary; and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, MP for Bosomtwe and former Education Minister.
Each of these aspirants has paid a total of Ghc4.6 million (46 billion old cedis) toward the filing, submission, and development fees as they seek the party’s presidential ticket for the 2028 election.
The fees collected have resulted in the NPP amassing a substantial Ghc23 million, which party officials say will be used to support party development ahead of the upcoming general election
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
