BY Grace Zigah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is poised to introduce new leadership roles at the constituency level—Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Coordinators and Constituency Legal Officers—as part of comprehensive internal reforms aimed at deepening inclusion, enhancing legal compliance, and modernizing the party’s grassroots structure.
The announcement came during a National Council meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, where party executives reviewed and adopted a series of constitutional amendments recommended by a 9-member Constitutional Amendment Committee. These proposals now await ratification by the National Delegates Conference.
Background: Internal Review Sparks Party-Wide Reforms
The reforms stem from an internal party introspection process following the 2024 general elections.
In response to growing demands for structural renewal and inclusion, the party tasked a Constitutional Amendment Committee to review the NPP constitution.
This followed recommendations from both the 2024 Election Review Committee, led by former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, and the earlier 2021 Constitutional Review Committee.
The committee received more than 300 amendment proposals and conducted broad consultations with stakeholders, including former Presidents, flagbearer hopefuls, and grassroots members.
PWD Coordinators: Championing Inclusion Across the Party
In a bold step toward inclusivity, the NPP has proposed the creation of PWD Coordinators at all constituency levels.
These officers will be responsible for representing and advocating for the interests of persons with disabilities within the party’s structure and in wider political discourse.
This initiative is expected to promote better participation and representation of PWDs in party activities, decision-making, and leadership development.
The move aligns with global democratic standards and Ghana’s commitment to inclusive governance as outlined in the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
Party insiders say this change will help harness the full potential of members with disabilities and ensure their concerns are actively addressed within the party’s development agenda.
Legal Officers: Enhancing Internal Compliance and Dispute Resolution
Another critical addition to the constituency executive structure is the proposed appointment of Legal Officers.
These officers will provide legal advice to the constituency party leadership, manage legal documentation, and help resolve internal disputes in line with the party’s constitution and national laws.
The recommendation reflects the party’s intention to professionalize its operations and strengthen internal accountability.
It also aims to pre-empt and resolve conflicts, which in recent years have occasionally marred constituency-level elections and activities.
At the regional level, the party also plans to introduce Regional Legal Officers to complement the legal infrastructure across its organizational hierarchy.
Broader Structural Changes Underway
These roles are part of a sweeping set of reforms proposed by the Amendment Committee and adopted in principle by the National Council. Other structural changes include:
Expansion of Polling Station Executives from five to seven, with the addition of a Communications Officer and an Electoral Affairs Officer.
Establishment of five-member Electoral Area Committees to enhance grassroots coordination.
Decoupling of the Research and Elections Officer roles at the constituency and regional levels, allowing for greater specialization.
Additionally, the party is looking to implement more inclusive election processes for youth and women organiser roles and reduce the youth age limit from 39 to 35, aligning with national and international definitions of youth.
Roadmap to Final Approval
While the National Council has adopted the proposed reforms, they are still subject to approval by the National Delegates Conference.
Once ratified, the changes are expected to be implemented ahead of the party’s next internal election cycle and in preparation for the 2028 general elections.
The introduction of PWD Coordinators and Legal Officers marks a progressive shift in the NPP’s internal governance, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity, rule of law, and professional administration within Ghana’s largest political organization.
