A group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members operating under the banner Concerned NPP Members in Academia has raised strong objections to a proposed restructuring plan that seeks to elect the party’s presidential candidate before conducting elections for other party executives.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, the group’s leader, Oppong Kyekyeku Michael, described the proposed sequence as a "top-down approach" that runs contrary to the foundational democratic principles of the NPP.

He argued that true party legitimacy must stem from the grassroots upwards, not the reverse.

“The proposed model risks concentrating too much power in the hands of a single individual,” Mr. Kyekyeku stated.

“It suppresses internal debate, weakens party cohesion, and could result in widespread voter apathy.”

He warned that allowing a presidential aspirant to emerge before other executives could enable them to exert undue influence over the party's internal elections, potentially leading to manipulation and a culture of sycophancy rather than genuine competition.

“The result,” he said, “would be a party structure that appears to serve one individual, rather than reflecting the collective will of the membership.”

Mr. Kyekyeku further cautioned that such an approach risks alienating the party's base—polling station executives, foot soldiers, and loyal members—whose participation and engagement are crucial to the NPP's electoral success.

As an alternative, the group is advocating for a return to the party’s traditional election sequence: starting with polling station elections, followed by constituency and regional elections, then national executive elections, and finally culminating in the presidential primaries.

“This process ensures every leader is grounded in grassroots legitimacy and not elevated through top-down imposition,” he emphasised.

The group also called for discipline and accountability within the party. Mr. Kyekyeku urged the national leadership to call the Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, to order, citing concerns over his conduct.

He also demanded that the report authored by Prof. Mike Oquaye on party restructuring be made public for transparency and broader consultation.