NPP Race: Appeals Committee upholds disqualification of Kwasi Bonzoh

The Western Regional Appeals Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has affirmed the disqualification of former Ellembelle District Chief Executive (DCE), Kwasi Bonzoh, from contesting the position of Regional Secretary in the party’s 2026 Western Regional Executive Elections.

The Committee delivered its decision on Saturday, July 25, 2026, after hearing a petition filed by Kwasi Bonzoh on July 22, 2026, challenging his disqualification by the Vetting Committee.

Petitioner’s argument

In his petition, Kwasi Bonzoh attached a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration from Nobel International Business School, dated March 18, 2017; an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) admission letter dated August 21, 2017; and a University of Ghana transcript for the 1998/99 academic year.

He argued that he had submitted an incomplete first-degree transcript and that a higher academic qualification should serve as an alternative to meet the requirement for the position of Regional Secretary.

He contended that since admission to a postgraduate certificate programme and an EMBA programme requires a first degree, he qualified for the position.

Committee’s findings

The Committee examined Rule 16(f) of the party’s Rules and Regulations, which states: “In the case of Regional Secretary, the Applicant must have at least a degree or higher qualification.”

It noted that, on the nomination form, Bonzoh indicated “BSc. Administration (Incomplete),” and that the University of Ghana transcript he provided was also incomplete, as the Level 400 first-semester results were missing.

“The Petitioner has an incomplete academic transcript... and can therefore not be said to have a Degree Certificate or Higher Qualification,” the Committee stated.

The Committee also observed that, while the Rules do not preclude it from considering fresh documents, the mandate of the Vetting Committee had ended, and the timelines made it impracticable to refer the matter back for verification.

Final decision

Despite noting that “on the face of the documents brought before us, it appears that a Postgraduate Certificate will suffice as a higher learning certificate of the Petitioner,” the Committee ruled that it could not interfere with the Vetting Committee’s decision.

“We therefore cannot interfere with the decision of the Vetting Committee. The decision of the Vetting Committee is hereby affirmed.”

Distinct opinion

Philip Kwesi Nkrumah Esq., in a distinct opinion, agreed with the dismissal. Citing Rule 17, he said the burden of proof rests with the aspirant to satisfy the Elections Committee that they meet the qualification requirements.

“The Petitioner did not indicate on his nomination form that he possessed a higher educational qualification... It will therefore be unjust and unfair for us to admit these documents as fresh evidence... I therefore agree with my learned colleagues that the petition be dismissed. Appeal is accordingly dismissed.”

The decision was signed by Philip Kwesi Nkrumah Esq., Akpene Darko-Cobbinah Esq., and Emily Akua Afriyie Mensah Esq.

The NPP Western Regional Executive Election is scheduled for August 16, 2026.