You are not fit to be NPP flagbearer if you can’t raise GHS4m development fee – Atta Akyea

Any flagbearer aspirant who will struggle to raise the 4 million development fee is not fit to be a presidential candidate, Former Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has said.

He made the point that the inability of a flagbearer hopeful to pay the fee will mean the person is not influential enough to raise money.

Speaking in an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu, Atta Akyea said, “If you are in opposition, you will raise money, so it is a sensible way to raise money. If a man says he is credible and people should vote for him as a flagbearer, and he can’t raise 4 million cedis, that means he doesn’t count; he is not even influential. Who is telling you that you are the one going to pay the money?”

His comment came at a time when the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana) urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate NPP flagbearer aspirants on the sources of their campaign funding.

CDD Ghana highlighted concerns about the monetisation of democracy in Ghana. They want transparency on how candidates finance their campaigns. The NPP flagbearer race is set for January 31, 2026. Only five candidates have filed nominations so far.

Dr. John Osai Kwarpong of CDD Ghana discussed campaign finance reforms. He emphasised the need for better legal frameworks and enforcement. He warned against high financial barriers limiting democratic participation.

Regarding the internal wranglings in the NPP, Samuel Atta Akyea said that “Right now, what you are seeing is a normal political dynamic where people are competing for the flagbearership.

“If you believe you are the most credible candidate to become the flagbearer of the NPP, people should tone down and go on tour and campaign.

Which of the candidates is your favourite? He was asked, and in answer, he said, “I have told the whole world Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is my preferred choice or candidate.”