Reports that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo petitioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to postpone its upcoming National Delegates Conference have been categorically denied by his special aide, who described the claims as “false and misleading.”
Fawaz Aliu, former Deputy Chief of Staff and special aide to the former president, firmly dismissed the allegations in an exclusive interview with Asaase News on Monday, July 14, 2025.
“The former president has made no such request to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and continues to respect the structures and decisions of the party.
The report should be disregarded and treated with the contempt it deserves,” Mr. Fawaz stated.
This clarification comes in the wake of reports that the NPP’s NEC, during a meeting held earlier today in Accra, had unanimously rejected a proposal—purportedly initiated by former presidents including Akufo-Addo—to delay the conference.
However, Fawaz’s statement makes it clear that Nana Akufo-Addo had no involvement in any such petition.
It is understood that the former president is currently out of the country and will not attend the two-day National Delegates Conference, scheduled for Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Both the July 19 conference date and the January 31, 2026, date for the presidential primaries were reportedly fixed in Akufo-Addo’s absence. He was also not present at the most recent National Council meeting.
Sources close to the former president maintain that he remains respectful of the party’s established order. He has not publicly commented on the dates and is not expected to do so—reinforcing his non-interference stance.
Party insiders say any concerns regarding the conference schedule should be addressed through the appropriate internal mechanisms. Akufo-Addo is expected to send a goodwill message to be read at the July 19 event.
Conference preparations well underway
Meanwhile, preparations for the crucial National Delegates Conference are progressing steadily. Joseph Osei-Owusu, Chairman of the Planning Committee and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, confirmed last week that 5,675 delegates are expected to participate.
Themed “Rebuilding Together with Our Values,” the conference will focus on adopting proposed constitutional amendments, condensing a comprehensive 300-page report and a 64-page summary into specific motions for delegates to vote on.
Security arrangements, logistical plans, and COVID-19-related health protocols are reportedly in full effect to ensure a safe and seamless event.
Richard Ahiagbah, the party’s Director of Communications, reaffirmed today that the theme underscores the NPP’s renewed commitment to unity, introspection, and institutional reform—critical steps as the party looks ahead to the 2028 general elections.
He also noted that delegates would review proposed amendments, including those from the Mike Oquaye Committee report.
Key addresses will be delivered by the party’s National Chairman, General Secretary, and National Treasurer during the event.
