Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has a massive support from the delegates of the New Patriotic Party.Over 70 percent of the delegates vouched for Dr Bawumia to lead the party as flagbearer once again, according to an independent poll conducted by the Communication Research and Perception Study Group, a non-affiliated research study group.
This research group seeks to “conduct unbiased, social scientific research into candidate preferences in democratic elections”.The group, in conducting the research, asked delegates questions bordering on their preferences for flagbearer, date for the party’s presidential primaries among others and their response particularly regarding their preference of the right candidate to lead them into the 2028 elections reflected the voice of majority of NPP members.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia responding to cheers from NPP supporters
Flagbearer Preference
77.9% of the delegates at the NPP Delegates Conference held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 19, 2025 said they preferred Bawumia while 20.2% of them chose the former Assin Central lawmaker and presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong.Former Education Minister Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum polled 1.3% while Bryan Acheampong got 0.6% endorsement.
The report said Bawumia’s lead “is clearly a vote of confidence demonstrating his popularity, appeal, visibility and penetration among primary delegates”.On the outcome for Kennedy Agyapong, the report said his low support, despite his “boisterous and vocal image, can mean that the grassroots base of delegates puts a premium on institutional continuity rather than populism”.
Early Congress for flagbearer
The survey also centered on whether or not the NPP should select its presidential candidate in January 2026.85.67% of the delegates answered “yes”, a declaration which, to the research group, showed “there is widespread desire for candidate selection to be carried out early”.“On an organizational behavior level, the result also suggests a desire for strategic leadership, forward planning and closing ranks within the party.”
About Communication Research and Perception Study Group
Communication Research and Perception Study Group is a group of researchers made up of students from a variety of universities across the nation.The goal of the group is to engage in practical research while providing timely and accurate information on elections, primaries and topical issues across the nation.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued an ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding the immediate fulfilment of his electoral pledge to eradicate illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s progress on the issue, warning of potential industrial action if decisive steps are not taken promptly.
File photo
The statement, signed by National President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and National Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, follows an emergency NEC meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
UTAG acknowledged “modest gains achieved by the government through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the security services”, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General’s recent directive to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate named political actors for alleged galamsey involvement.
However, the UTAG stressed that “much is left to be desired as the wanton destruction of the environment continues unabated.”
UTAG’s core demand centres on the “anti-galamsey pledge” President Mahama voluntarily signed before the 2024 general elections.
This commitment, formalized in the “National Pledge by Presidential Candidate Taken Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana” and witnessed by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) and UTAG itself, is viewed by the university teachers as a “solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people to combat illegal mining and restore environmental integrity.”
“President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet yielded the concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge,” the statement asserted, urging the President to “now walk the talk.”
UTAG meticulously outlined five key promises from the President’s pledge that they believe remain unfulfilled:
Immediate and Unambiguous Denunciation: Despite promising to publicly denounce galamsey for its detrimental impact on the environment, health, and future generations, UTAG states, “We are yet to witness the operationalisation of this pledge after six (6) months in office.”
Immediate Action to Halt Activities: While President Mahama publicly acknowledged galamsey as a “national emergency” on July 15, 2025, and vowed continued efforts by the national taskforce, UTAG criticised his “continuous decline to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-endemic areas,” which they believe would give “practical meaning to the pledge.”
Law Enforcement Without Fear or Favour: The pledge included empowering law enforcement and the judiciary to “ruthlessly enforce the law” against culprits “regardless of their political affiliation or social status.”
UTAG noted, “We are yet to see this pledge materialised in a way that can halt and reverse the wanton destruction of our forest reserves, waterbodies and arable lands.”
Implementation of Permanent Anti-Galamsey Policies: President Mahama promised to design and implement long-term policies to “permanently uproot galamsey.”
UTAG contends, “We are yet to see any coherent, practically relevant and workable policies from the President and his government to address the galamsey menace permanently.”
Zero Tolerance Messaging from Political Actors: The President pledged to rein in party officials and dismiss Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who entertain galamsey in their areas. UTAG highlighted that “no single one of them has been sacked despite galamsey still ravaging, especially in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Ahafo regions among others.”
They further alleged that “Key members of the ruling party and government in these areas where galamsey remains highly active are allegedly involved with no concrete actions taken to arrest and prosecute them.”
UTAG also called on the President to honour additional campaign commitments, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462.
This controversial L.I., passed in 2022, had permitted mining in forest reserves under certain conditions, drawing widespread criticism from environmental groups.
While recent government pronouncements suggest a move to repeal L.I. 2462 entirely, UTAG’s statement underscores the urgency of concrete action.
The Association reiterated that illegal mining “represents an existential threat, devastating our rivers, forests, agricultural lands, and future livelihoods.”
Reports indicate that by the end of 2024, the direct and indirect costs of galamsey on Ghana’s economy and environment were substantial, with significant portions of water bodies, including major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, severely polluted. Key mining regions such as Western North, Ashanti, Eastern, and Ahafo continue to be heavily impacted.
In a stark warning, UTAG stated, “If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments.”
This threat of a strike by university teachers adds significant pressure to the government, as previous industrial actions by UTAG have severely disrupted academic calendars.
“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” UTAG concluded, urging its members and the public to remain vigilant in protecting Ghana’s environment for future generations.Source: David Apinga
Joe Wise and Nana B successfully led the National Delegates conference organization team to host one of the most excellent conferences l have attended in NPP. Lawyer Frank Davies, head of constitution review commitee, your impartiality has earned my deepest respect;. You and your committee demonstrated remarkable fairness.
Congratulations, JFK; had the conference been unsuccessful, you would have been blamed.
Your selections to committees were excellent. Well done to all delegates, NEC, national council, and our presidential candidate aspirants for making the conference possible. Coka, l care
Following the successful amendment of the NPP constitution to make the position of Communication Officer electable, and upon extensive consultation, I have in all humility decided to present myself for consideration as the Ashanti Regional Communication Officer.
To win election 2028, we need a STRATEGIC & IMPACTFUL COMMUNICATION structure that provides purposeful direction, deploys impactful verbal and non-verbal communication strategies and lead the agenda for the day. It is time to reflect, restructure and realign the units of communication for maximum electoral output in the Region.
Patriots & Friends, I kindly seek any support you can lend especially your prayers and advice during the campaign period and on the job.
Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has cautioned members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) against allowing tribalism and religious bigotry to undermine the unity and progress of the party.
Speaking at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Accra on Saturday, Dr Bawumia emphasised that such divisive tendencies have no place in a party striving to regain power.
“Let me say tribalism and religious bigotry from whichever quarters they emanate pose an existential threat and should have no place in the NPP.”
His address centred on a renewed call for unity and collective commitment towards the party’s rebuilding process as it looks ahead to the 2028 general elections.
Dr Bawumia noted that the party’s ability to recover from its 2024 electoral defeat depends largely on solidarity, discipline, and a focus on common goals.
“An army that wants to win a battle must exercise discipline within its ranks,” he stressed.
He urged party faithful to rise above internal divisions, reaffirm their dedication to party ideals, and work together to restore the confidence of the Ghanaian electorate.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates have approved a comprehensive list of 54 motions aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and policies as it gears up for the 2028 general elections.
The motions were adopted during the National Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, July 19, reflecting the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive reform.
These motions cover a wide range of issues, including constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, grassroots empowerment, policy development, and party governance.
The delegates, however, firmly rejected two key proposed constitutional amendments — Motion 17 and Motion 54 — signalling strong resistance to changes seen as undermining grassroots structures and youth representation within the party.
Motion 17, which sought to amend Article 7(30) of the NPP Constitution, proposed empowering Regional Executive Committees to appoint individuals — excluding Polling Station, Electoral Area, and Constituency Officers — to supervise polling station and electoral area elections.
However, in a decisive voice vote, delegates rejected the proposal. Many felt that maintaining constituency-level oversight preserved grassroots accountability and protected the autonomy of local party structures.
Motion 54 also suffered a similar fate. It proposed an amendment to Article 15(4) of the Constitution to redefine “youth” in the party as any member “not above the age of 35,” aligning with international and national standards.
Justifying the motion, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah cited benchmarks from the UN, WHO, UNICEF, and the African Youth Charter, all of which define youth as individuals aged between 15 and 35. Ghana’s National Youth Authority Act pegs the youth bracket between 15 and 25.
Read the 54 motions accepted below:
MOTION ONE
Article 1
Amend article 1 of the Constitution to include the Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours.
[The absence of the Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours in the Constitution is an obvious omission and ought to be rectified. The Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours must find expression in the Party’s Constitution.]
MOTION TWO
Article 3(7)
Amend article 3(7) of the Constitution to give the power to recommend suspension of a Member or an office holder pending disciplinary action against him to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee rather than the Executive Committee.
[The amendment is necessary to ensure justified suspension of party executives (elected and appointed) by Executive Committees, only upon recommendation by the Disciplinary Committee, pending disciplinary proceedings against such Officers. It is the Disciplinary Committee that shall recommend suspension having regard to its preliminary findings.
MOTION THREE
Article 4(3)(7)
Amend article 4(3)(7) of the Constitution to allow for a complaint against any Constituency or Regional Officer, whether elected or appointed, to be filed at; (i) in the case of the Constituency Officer, the Regional Executive Committee and (ii) in the case of the Regional Officer, the National Executive Committee.
[The amendment seeks to achieve fair and equal treatment or handling of disciplinary matters involving ‘elected officers’ and ‘appointed officers’ who are at the same level of the Party by providing that they should be dealt with by the same Disciplinary Committee.]
MOTION FOUR
Article 5(6)
Amend article 5(6) of the Constitution to adopt the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s demarcation/cluster of Electoral Areas.
[The EC’s Electoral Area systems are pre-determined, bereft of controversies and involves more polling stations than the party’s demarcations of Electoral Area. The current provision in the Party’s constitution is that where polling stations under an Electoral Area exceed ten(10), an additional Electoral Area may be created. This lack of certainty and exactitude has triggered misunderstandings in the creation of some Electoral Areas. The adoption of the EC’s Electoral Area system cures any such misunderstanding or perceived mischief.]
MOTION FIVE Article 6- new provision
mischief.]
Amend article 6 of the Constitution to provide for an Electoral Area Executive Committee structure made up of five (5) members who shall all be elected comprising the Electoral Area Chairperson, Secretary,Organiser, Communications Officer and Electoral Affairs Officer.
[The current system requires limited expansion to allow for increased participation and support in the management of the electoral areas. A 5- member Committee enhances operational capacity and ensures a more inclusive and structured approach to supervising polling station activities.]
MOTION SIX
Article 6(1)
Amend article 6(1) of the Constitution to increase the Polling Station Executives from five (5) to seven (7) who are all to be elected compromising the Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Communications Officer and Electoral Affairs Officer.
[The Committee recommends one man one vote (OMOV) system as a long term electoral framework for the Party. In the absence of the foundational structures for the OMOV electoral system, the proposed limited expansion (representing 40% rise) at the polling station level is more more realistic and manageable. It has the effect of increasing the electoral college considerably while the Party works on’ the recommended OMOV system.]
MOTION SEVEN
Articles 6(1); 7(2); 9(1); 10(7)(3)
Amend article 6(1), 7(2), 9(1) & 10(7)(3) of the Constitution to split/decouple the position of Research and Electoral Affairs Officer at the Constituency, Regional and Nationals levels of the Party.
[The amendment brings the needed focus and attention to each of the two responsibilities. Also, it is not every researcher who understands electoral matters and vice versa. Therefore, separating the positions and appointing people with the requisite expertise to occupy the respective positions will inure to the Party’s benefit.]
A Political Analyst, Dr. Frank Aduhene, has warned former Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia, not to risk his popularity by choice of a wrong running mate when he is finally elected in January 31, 2026.
Dr. Aduhene believes the former Vice President is all set to be given the nod once again by the NPP, stressing that sights and scenes at the party’s National Delegates Conference last Saturday has all but endorsed him.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia
Sharing his thoughts on the outcome of the conference, the Political Analyst said there were no doubts that people have true love and affection for Bawumia, adding that what is left now is for him to select someone more worthy of his ticket to partner him going into the 2028 elections.
“If you consider the scene and reactions yesterday at the Legon Stadium, no one will tell you Dr. Bawumia is solely loved by the rank and file of the party and is set to receive the nod again” He noted.
Dr.Bawumia speaking at the national delegates conference
He ,however,cautioned that such gains could be eroded if he continues to stick to his old guns if given the nod again by the Party’s delegates.
“I am sure Dr. Bawumia himself will make good use of the various survey reports before him; the fact that the report clearly indicated that his major problem was the one to partner him. He ,must therefore, resolve to make a better choice if he wants the party and the general voter population to take him seriously this time” Dr. Aduhene emphasized.
Dr. Aduhene, also cautioned the former Vice President to be wary of those selfish and greedy lobbyists, who are pestering him to retain certain individuals within his quarters out of their own parochial interest.
What was officially billed as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2025 National Delegate Conference has come under intense criticism from party members and political observers who say the event was stage-managed to launch Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential campaign.
According to multiple sources within the party, the conference, held at the Accra Sports Stadium, deviated sharply from its original purpose and instead became a political theatre carefully choreographed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to project Dr. Bawumia as the presumptive flagbearer for the 2028 elections.
Dr.Bawumia & his wife responding to cheers
A Scripted Coronation, Not a Conference
“The just-ended National Delegate Conference was not a conference properly so called,” said one senior party member who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It was a full-blown outdooring of Bawumia’s presidential ambitions. Everything from the crowd arrangement to the stadium programming was engineered to present him as the party’s chosen one.”
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the venue reveal that over 5,000 non-delegates, allegedly bused in by pro-Bawumia operatives were seated across the stands to swell the numbers and create an atmosphere of mass approval. This, critics argue, was a deliberate strategy to give the false impression of broad-based grassroots support.
Waving Tour Raises Eyebrows
One of the most contentious moments of the conference came immediately after Dr. Bawumia’s address, when he and his wife walked around the stadium tracks waving to the crowd in what many described as a presidential-style victory lap.
Party insiders and political analysts have questioned the appropriateness of the gesture, asking: “In what capacity was Bawumia speaking as former Vice President or as a flagbearer aspirant?”
“No other potential aspirant was afforded such a platform or such optics,” one party delegate fumed. “That walk was not neutral; it was a bold and symbolic campaign act.”
Muted Voices, Archived Videos
The program’s selective platforming of voices also drew condemnation. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo were notably absent from the live proceedings, their remarks played instead through outdated video recordings. Many wondered why live digital appearances via Zoom or Google Meet were not facilitated for these founding pillars of the party.
“Was it a technological oversight, or a strategic silencing?” one observer queried. “These are party elders who should have been central to such a national event.”
Grassroots Discontent Boils Over
For many in the party’s base, the events of the day confirm long-held suspicions, that the NEC is engineering an internal coup to impose Dr. Bawumia on the party against the popular will.
“They did it in 2024, and now they want to do it again in 2028,” one grassroots organizer from the Ashanti Region told this reporter. “But this time, we will resist. This is about the future of our party and the voice of the people.”
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The fallout from the conference has triggered calls for immediate reform within the NEC and greater transparency in the party’s internal processes.
Political watchers warn that if the NPP leadership fails to address the growing perception of bias and manipulation, it risks alienating its support base and fracturing the party ahead of the 2028 contest.
As tensions simmer, all eyes will be on how the party hierarchy responds in the coming days. Will they listen to the growing chorus of dissent, or will they double down on what many are now calling the great Bawumia imposition?
Either way, the battle lines within the NPP have been redraw, and the grassroots are not retreating.
18thJuly 2025 —MTN, Africa’s leading mobile network operator, has partnered with MTV Base, the number one youth and pop culture brand in Africa, to launch the Room of Safety, an innovative, youth-led movement to raise awareness about online child safety and promote positive digital behaviours across the continent.
The collaboration forms part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign and leverages the reach and influence of platforms like MTV, MTV Base, and MTV’s digital channels to drive meaningful change. Central to the initiative is the launch of Room of Safety, a powerful 10-part short-form series premiering on 20 July 2025 at 15:00 on MTV Base, DStv channel 322, and on @MTVBaseSouth and @MTVBaseAfrica social handles.
Marina Madale
Through relatable storytelling and youth-driven content, the series aims to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and equip young people with the knowledge and tools to navigate online risks. With its multi-platform distribution, the campaign is positioned to reach millions of young Africans, catalyse community conversations, and influence safer digital behaviour across the continent.
The series features Paramount’s Culture Squad member, Craig Nobela, alongside a dynamic lineup of young African influencers including Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, MajorSteez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele and Naledi.
“As technology evolves, we’re seeing serious risks, AI misuse, online stalking, and exploitation, mirror and sometimes intensify the harm we once associated only with the physical world. At MTN, we believe access must go hand-in-hand with protection. Through our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety, we’re amplifying the voices of young people to speak to, and stand up for, each other, creating a safer, more conscious digital future,” said Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive: Sustainability and Shared Value.
“For two decades, MTV Base has been at the forefront of shaping youth culture and using our platform to spotlight issues that matter. From HIV awareness to gender equality and mental health, we’ve consistently championed content that drives change. With Room of Safety, we’re continuing that legacy, empowering young people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. This partnership with MTN is a powerful step in protecting the next generation and ensuring their voices are heard,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Editorial at Paramount Africa.
Commenting on the initiative, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Adwoa Wiafe said, “Online safety is a critical pillar for driving digital inclusion in Ghana, and it is imperative that we take bold, proactive steps to foster a culture where young people feel empowered to openly discuss their online experiences with parents, educators, and peers. This platform is not just a conversation starter—it’s a strategic enabler, designed to spark meaningful dialogue, build trust, and strengthen digital resilience among the youth in our communities.”
A Growing Concern Across Africa
Recent research conducted by Ipsos in partnership with MTN across Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia reveals alarming trends in online behaviour among children aged 8–17:
1 in 10 children in Nigeria and South Sudan reported being harassed online.
20% of children in South Sudan reported being bullied online — the highest among the three countries.
In Nigeria, 79% of adolescents aged 13–17 spend more than an hour online daily, increasing their exposure to risky online behaviour.
30–40% of teens across the three countries admitted to adding strangers to their messaging apps.
In Juba, children who spend more than an hour online daily are 17 times more likely to engage in risky online behaviour.
These findings underscore the urgent need for digital education and protective mechanisms tailored to African youth.
Empowering Youth and Parents Alike
MTN is committed to creating a safer digital environment for children through a holistic approach that extends beyond awareness to action. As part of its Help Children Be Children initiative, MTN is supporting the strengthening of in-country reporting portals and child helplines, while also working to make the Africa Online Safety Portal accessible across the continent, particularly in countries that lack national platforms.
The reporting portal enables users to report URLs containing CSAM, which are reviewed by expert analysts and removed, often within an hour. This initiative is especially critical in regions where only 20–22% of children are aware of existing child protection portals, yet over 80% want service providers to offer ways to report abuse directly.
By bridging these gaps, MTN, together with MTV Base aims to ensure that every African child, regardless of location, can access vital safety information, report harmful content, and connect to support services that protect their digital wellbeing.
A Call to Action
Protecting children online in Africa demands urgent, collective action. We must close the data gap, fast-track fit-for-purpose regulation, scale digital literacy in schools, and strengthen collaboration across sectors. With emerging threats like AI misuse and online exploitation, the time to act is now.
Through Room of Safety, MTN and MTV Base are using their reach to turn awareness into action, equipping youth and those who support them with the tools to stay safe, speak up, and stand together. We call on young people, parents, educators, and leaders to be part of building a safer digital Africa for the next generation.
