Arthur Kennedy urges Supreme Court use case on delegates system of political parties to strengthen democracy
A staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy, has called on the Supreme Court to use an ongoing constitutional case challenging the delegates system of political parties as an opportunity to strengthen internal democracy and improve Ghana’s democratic governance.
Dr Kennedy described the case as a potential turning point in reforming the country’s political system, urging the apex court to consider the broader implications of its decision on political participation and accountability.
The case was filed by former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng; veteran politician Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe; and former Education Minister Dr Christine Amoako-Nuamah against the NPP, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General.
The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court that aspects of the delegates system used by political parties to elect presidential and parliamentary candidates are unconstitutional.
They argue that restricting participation in party primaries to selected delegates violates the rights of party members and undermines democratic principles.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment on the matter on July 24, 2026.
In an open letter addressed to the Justices of the Supreme Court ahead of the ruling, Dr Kennedy said the case presents an opportunity to promote transparency, accountability and broader participation in political party activities.
“You have a chance, in deciding this case, to strengthen our democracy and perhaps safeguard the future of the republic,” he wrote.
Dr Kennedy argued that Article 55(5) of the 1992 Constitution requires political parties to organise themselves in accordance with democratic principles, but expressed concern that existing practices within major parties do not fully meet that constitutional standard.
He raised concerns about the transparency of internal electoral processes, including the compilation and management of delegates’ registers and disciplinary procedures within political parties.
The former NPP presidential aspirant also criticised the continued delay in implementing the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act (ROPAL), which allows Ghanaian citizens living abroad to participate in national elections.
According to him, excluding many citizens outside the country from electoral participation runs contrary to the principles of inclusive democracy.
“The internal organisation of our political parties should reflect the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution,” he stated.
Concerns Over Money in Party Politics
Dr Kennedy further expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of money in internal party elections, arguing that delegate-based systems have increasingly created opportunities for vote-buying and financial inducements.
He warned that such practices weaken democratic competition, erode public confidence in political institutions and contribute to broader governance challenges.
He linked the monetisation of internal party contests to concerns about corruption and institutional weaknesses, citing national challenges such as illegal mining, flooding, healthcare pressures and delays in public projects.
However, he did not provide direct evidence establishing a direct connection between delegate systems and those specific national challenges.
Historical Reference
Referencing the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision of the United States Supreme Court, Dr Kennedy noted that judicial decisions can have lasting consequences on the direction of nations.