The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken steps to encourage greater participation of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in politics by halving the filing fee for applicants in these categories for the parliamentary primary to be held in respect of a by-election in the Ejisu Constituency.
In a press release signed by the General Secretary of the Party, Justin Koduah Frimpong, dated March 29, 2024, it was announced that women, youth, and PwDs aspiring to higher political office will enjoy a 50% rebate on the filing fees. This means they will be required to pay a non-refundable filing fee of seventeen thousand and five hundred Ghana cedis (GHC 17,500.00).
Furthermore, the press release clarified that a youth is defined as a person whose age is between 18 and 40 years.
The NPP outlined the procedure for aspiring parliamentary candidates (APCs), stating that they shall procure Nomination Forms after paying a non-refundable application fee of GHC 3,000.00. To successfully file the nomination, an APC shall pay a non-refundable filing fee of thirty-five thousand Ghana cedis (GHC 35,000.00).
The by-election in the Ejisu Constituency has become necessary due to the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Dr. John Kumah. The timelines for holding the parliamentary primary were also provided:
- Opening of Nomination: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
- Closing of Nomination: Thursday, April 4, 2024
- Election: Saturday, April 13, 2024
The NPP also named the members of the Election Committee (EC), which includes:
- Mr. Danquah Smith Butey (Chairman)
- Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Vice Chairman)
- Hon. Patricia Appiagyei
- Mad. Martha Kodua
- Mr. Evans Nimako (Secretary)
- Chairperson of the Constituency Council of Elders
- All Constituency Executives (Ex-officio members)
The Party stated that detailed Rules and Regulations to govern the conduct of the parliamentary primary election would be made available to stakeholders. Nomination Forms will be available for purchase at the Constituency Party Office.