NPP makes flagbearer party leader when in opposition, president leader when in government

The 7,163 delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) present at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi in Kumasi have amended their constitution to make the flagbearer its leader while in opposition.

The amendment provides further that when the party is in government, the president shall be its leader.

This was among several proposed amendments approved by the delegates.

Here are the key amendments considered:

- Reverse January clause that made National Chairman leader at all material times.

- New proposal: Flagbearer becomes leader of the party.

- Currently: All candidates contest 1st Vice, ranking 1st, 2nd, 3rd by votes determines position.

- Proposed: Aspirants must declare for a specific Vice Chairperson slot before voting.

3. Additional appointed Vice Chairpersons

- Approval for appointment of 3 additional Vice Chairpersons who would NOT go through election.

4. Vice Chair positions at all levels

- Create additional vice-chairperson positions at national, regional and constituency levels.

- Creation of Deputy Communications Officer positions nationally.

- Establish deputy regional and constituency communication officers.

- Upgrade IT Officer role to an executive position

- Add IT officers to executive structures at regional and constituency levels.

- Return of the President to the National Steering Committee.

8. Expansion of primaries franchise

- Allow all card-bearing members to participate as delegates in presidential and parliamentary primaries.