NPP External Branches demand ROPAA roadmap and cocaine probe

The External Branches of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are demanding a time-bound roadmap for the implementation of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2006 (ROPAA). Ahead of the party’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, the group requested that the Electoral Commission publish a costed implementation plan within 90 days to ensure Ghanaians living abroad can exercise their voting rights before the 2028 general elections.

The group also proposed internal NPP reforms, including secure electronic voting for members abroad and increased representation for External Branches in decision-making structures. They welcomed a Supreme Court ruling regarding broader participation in internal party elections and urged the incoming leadership to outline an implementation programme.

Additionally, the External Branches called for a comprehensive investigation into the reported seizure of approximately four tonnes of cocaine allegedly linked to a container from Ghana. They urged authorities to determine if the incident involved negligence, procedural lapses, or collusion, regardless of whether it implicates public officials. The group expressed concern that the incident could lead to increased scrutiny of Ghanaian cargo, potentially causing delays and costs for legitimate exporters, and called on the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to engage with the business community.