Voting ends in Bawku Central as counting begins

Voting has concluded in the Bawku Central Constituency of the Upper East Region, with ballot counting currently underway under the supervision of Electoral Commission officials.

While the process was largely calm, it was not without controversy, as some supporters of New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, expressed dissatisfaction over alleged unpaid campaign funds. The supporters claimed their constituency coordinator disappeared with money meant to compensate them for campaign activities, prompting a boycott of the voting exercise in protest.

The aggrieved supporters described the situation as disappointing and called on party leadership to investigate the matter and ensure accountability to prevent similar incidents in future internal elections.

Five key figures are contesting for the mandate to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election. They include former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong; Abetifi MP and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; and former General Secretary and former Presidential Press Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong.

Ahead of the polls, all the aspirants signed a peace pact committing themselves to a non-violent campaign and pledging to accept the outcome of the election. The agreement also binds their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine the credibility of the process.

The NPP has stressed that the presidential primary is strictly an internal party affair and has placed all security arrangements in the hands of the Ghana Police Service. According to the party, the police are solely responsible for maintaining law and order at all polling centres to ensure the safety of delegates, party officials, aspirants, and observers.

Meanwhile, counting continues in Bawku Central amid tight security, with party agents present to monitor the process. Results are expected to be declared after collation is completed.