The Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a clear set of stringent protocols and security measures in preparation for the party’s presidential primary, set for Saturday, January 31, 2026.
This initiative aims to assure both aspirants and delegates of a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
A statement signed by William Yamoah, Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee, indicated that the entire conduct of the elections has been entrusted to the Electoral Commission (EC), while the Ghana Police Service will be solely responsible for security at all voting centres across the nation.
“The Committee has entrusted the entire electoral process into the hands of the Electoral Commission, which shall have the responsibility of ensuring a transparent, fair, and unfettered election,” the statement said.
The Committee specified that only accredited delegates, committee members, aspirants, and their officially designated agents will be permitted beyond the security perimeter. It emphasised that there will be no accreditation for observers, and any individuals visiting voting centres must strictly adhere to the directives issued by the EC and the police.
Delegates must present valid identification, which may include a voter ID, party card, passport, or Ghana Card, for verification at the initial police checkpoint.
While agents of presidential aspirants are allowed to carry mobile phones, the Committee has cautioned that delegates will be prohibited from bringing phones or any electronic photographic devices into the voting booth.
The PEC has also issued a strong warning against any attempts to compromise the secrecy of the ballot.
“It is strictly prohibited to publicly display cast ballots, capture images of them, or make gestures to show whom one voted for. Anyone caught violating this provision shall be arrested, and his or her vote shall be declared a spoilt or rejected ballot,” the Committee cautioned.
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To prevent any undue influence on delegates, the Committee has instructed all Regional Executive Committees to suspend all scheduled activities, including workshops, retreats, training programs, and in-house meetings involving delegates, from Thursday, January 29, 2026, until the conclusion of voting.
Voting will be conducted strictly as a walk-in process, similar to national elections. The Committee emphasised that no gathering or loitering will be allowed at voting centres.
Voting hours have been established from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Additional measures include no wearing of campaign colors, T-shirts, caps, or posters of candidates at voting centers; no group or paired voting; voting to occur in open areas, not indoors; delegates who have cast their votes will not be allowed re-entry into the voting perimeter, and there will be no speeches by national executives, former government officials, regional executives, candidates, or their representatives on voting day.
“Any person found directing a delegate on who to vote for commits an offence and shall be removed by the police,” the Committee warned.
The Presidential Election Committee also instructed presiding officers to distribute ballot papers one delegate at a time, stating that ballots must not be detached from booklets in advance, and names of delegates must not be announced in queues.
Delegates with mobility challenges may only receive assistance with the consent of the Electoral Commission.
The new measures, the PEC stated, complement the existing Presidential Elections Operational Guidelines, reaffirming its dedication to the integrity of the process.
“We assure Presidential Candidate Aspirants, delegates, and the public of our unwavering commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible, and transparent elections,” the statement added.
