Ghanaian political parties face scrutiny over accountability and internal processes

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing criticism regarding its internal selection processes for the 2028 General Elections. Following the loss of its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections, the party leadership has introduced new, multi-tiered bureaucratic requirements for parliamentary aspirants. Critics, including political publicist Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, suggest these measures, which include mandatory vetting and formal applications of intent, may be designed to insulate incumbent Members of Parliament rather than fostering intra-party democracy.

Separately, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to maintain the same standards of accountability it demanded while in opposition. This challenge follows controversy regarding a reported GH¢49.72 million expenditure used to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa. The Minority has raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in payment registers and documentation, leading to calls for an independent audit and the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.