A Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy, has expressed deep concerns about the party’s current state, warning that it is heading towards collapse if drastic measures are not taken.
In a statement copied to the Daily Graphic, Dr Kennedy cited disillusionment over corruption, patronage, and perceived abandonment of founding principles as key factors contributing to the party’s woes.
“The NPP, like the proverbial elephant, has lost its way and is in the bush,” the NPP 2007 flagbearer aspirant lamented.
He noted that the party’s recent electoral setbacks, including the 2024 elections, the Prof. Mike Oquaye Committee Report, the Ablekuma North partial rerun and Akwatia by-election, are clear indications that something is amiss.
Dr Kennedy drew parallels with historical examples, citing the demise of the Whig Party in the US, which splintered over slavery and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Liberal Party in the UK, which became irrelevant under Asquith and Lloyd George.
He also referenced the United Gold Coast Convention’s (UGCC’s) experience with Nkrumah and the Convention People’s Party’s (CPP’s) subsequent rise to power.
Grassroots/ leadership election
“The party is always the masses. They will follow you, stay home or vote for your opponent in their interest,” Dr. Kennedy emphasised.
He cited Nelson Mandela’s decision to prioritise the African National Congresses (ANC’s) interests over his personal preference for Ramaphosa as Deputy President, which ultimately set the party on a path to dominance.
Dr Kennedy urged the party to hold leadership elections from the polling station to the national level, stressing that “the elections we need now are for party executives, not flag bearer.
And we need it now!” He added that “while money matters in politics, as in love, it is not everything.”
“If we don’t heed the voice of the people, the NPP will die, like the Whigs of North America, the Liberals of Britain and the UGCC and CPP of Ghana,” Dr Kennedy warned.
He also drew lessons from history, highlighting the importance of selflessness in leadership.
In a poignant reminder, Dr Kennedy noted that the splintering of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo family in 1979 due to pettiness and selfishness led to the rise of Dr Hilla Limann and ultimately, two decades of Rawlings’ rule.
The US based Ghanaian Medical Doctor, cited the example of Lord Halifax, who in 1940, stepped aside as a potential Prime Minister of the UK in favour of Winston Churchill during a time of war, saying “I want to be Prime Minister but Churchill will, at this time, be a better Prime Minister,” serves as a powerful lesson in putting the greater good above personal ambition.
