Supreme Court sets July 29 for judgment on case challenging political party delegate system

The Supreme Court will on July 29, 2026, decide a case that could affect how political parties in Ghana elect their leaders, presidential candidates and parliamentary candidates.

The suit challenges the delegate-based voting system used by parties such as the New Patriotic Party, the National Democratic Congress and the Convention People's Party.

The action was filed by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, together with Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe and former Lands and Forestry Minister Dr Christine Amoako-Nuamah.

They are asking the apex court to declare the delegate system unconstitutional and to order political parties to allow all members in good standing to vote directly in internal elections.

The plaintiffs argue that the current system gives voting power to a limited group of party executives, office holders and selected delegates.

They say this excludes the majority of ordinary party members from taking part in key decisions, including the election of presidential candidates and party leaders.

According to them, the system creates an unequal class of voters within political parties and undermines the democratic values of participation and equality under the 1992 Constitution.

Their lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, contends that political parties are constitutional bodies and must therefore conduct their internal affairs in a democratic manner.

The Electoral Commission has also been sued.

The plaintiffs accuse the Commission of failing to properly enforce provisions of the Political Parties Act which require parties to maintain democratic internal structures.

They want the court to direct the EC to scrutinise party constitutions to ensure they comply with constitutional democratic principles.

The case specifically targets provisions in the constitutions of the NPP, NDC and CPP that establish delegate-based voting arrangements.

Among the reliefs being sought is a declaration that all party members in good standing have equal voting rights, regardless of their position or office within the party.

The plaintiffs also want the affected parties compelled to amend their constitutions to provide for direct and equal voting by their members.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has dismissed an application by the Liberal Party of Ghana to join the case.

A seven-member panel held that the party failed to file its application within the required time.

The court said after hearing submissions from counsel, it was satisfied that the party had not acted within a reasonable period.

The July 29 judgment is expected to be closely watched because of its potential impact on internal party democracy and the selection of candidates for public office.