By Lord Fiifi Quayle

As we approach another pivotal election, the political landscape is rife with discontent, specifically within the ranks of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Distinguished party members and founders, including Paul Afoko, Nyaho Tamaklo, Boakye Agyarko, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Alan Kyerematen, Yaw Buaben Asamoah, Nana Ohene Ntow, and Dr. Arthur Kennedy, have voiced their doubtfulness regarding the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Their concerns raise critical questions about the direction of the NPP and the implications for Ghana’s future.

Paul Afoko: The Party’s Former Chairman

Paul Afoko, who once held the esteemed position of NPP Chairman, has been vocal about his disillusionment with the current leadership. Afoko’s term was marred by internal conflicts, and he has since claimed that the party has strayed from its foundational principles. His discontent stems from what he perceives as a lack of inclusivity and transparency in decision-making processes. Afoko argues that the NPP under Akufo-Addo has prioritized Family and Friends over competence, leading to a government that is disconnected from the grassroots.

Nyaho Tamaklo: The Medical Doctor with Political Insight

Dr. Nyaho Tamaklo, a founding member of the NPP, has expressed deep concerns about the party’s current trajectory. He argues that the leadership has failed to address critical issues such as corruption and economic mismanagement. Tamaklo believes that the NPP has lost its moral compass, citing numerous scandals that have marred the party’s reputation. His call for ACCOUNTABILITY and INTEGRITY resonates with many Ghanaians who feel that the government has not lived up to its promises.

Boakye Agyarko: The Former Energy Minister’s Dilemma

Boakye Agyarko, a former Minister of Energy, was dismissed from his position in 2018 due to his opposition to the government’s energy policies, particularly the controversial decision to terminate the Ameri Energy deal. Agyarko’s dismissal underscores a broader concern that the current administration is resistant to dissenting voices, particularly when it comes to critical policy decisions. He contends that the government has MISMANAGED resources and FAILED to provide SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS to energy challenges. Agyarko’s critique is rooted in a belief that the NPP has become complacent, relying on past achievements rather than innovating for the future.

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng: The Environmentalist’s Warning

As a respected academic and former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Frimpong-Boateng raised alarms about environmental degradation and the government’s lack of action on climate issues. He was then removed from his ministerial role in 2021, reportedly due to his outspoken views on illegal mining and environmental protection, which clashed with the interests of powerful political figures. Frimpong-Boateng argues that the NPP has neglected critical areas that affect the livelihoods of Ghanaians, particularly in rural communities. His advocacy for sustainable development underscores the need for a government that prioritizes long-term well-being over short-term gains.

Alan Kyerematen: The Businessman’s Perspective

Alan Kyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, left the NPP to form his own political movement, the “Movement for Change,” in 2023. His departure was fueled by his frustration with the party’s internal dynamics and the leadership’s failure to implement policies that foster genuine economic growth. Kyerematen believes that the NPP has failed to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and his move signifies a desire for a political platform that aligns more closely with his vision for Ghana’s economic future.

Dr. Arthur Kennedy: The Voice of Dissent

Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a prominent NPP member and former presidential candidate, has been an outspoken critic of the current leadership. He has consistently highlighted issues of governance, corruption, and economic mismanagement, arguing that the party has lost its way. Kennedy’s critiques have often been met with resistance from the party hierarchy, and he has expressed disappointment over the lack of internal dialogue and accountability within the NPP. His advocacy for reform and a return to the party’s core values resonates with many who feel that the NPP is straying from its founding principles. “He is not the Nana Addo we all knew.. he sold his soul for the presidency”

Yaw Buaben Asamoah and Nana Ohene Ntow: The Youth and Communication Experts

Yaw Buaben Asamoah and Nana Ohene Ntow, both prominent figures in the NPP’s communication strategy, were dismissed from their roles within the party due to their criticisms of the leadership and their calls for a more inclusive approach to governance. Their expulsion highlights a broader concern that dissenting voices within the NPP are being silenced. They argue that the current leadership has failed the Ghanaian youth, leading to a sense of disenfranchisement. Their insights reflect a broader concern that the NPP risks alienating a demographic crucial for its electoral success.

A Call for Caution

The collective voices of these distinguished former and NPP leaders serve as a clarion call for Ghanaians to reflect on the party’s current trajectory. Their concerns about CORRUPTION, ECONOMIC MISMANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT, and DISCONNECTION from the youth highlight a growing sentiment of disillusionment within the party. As the nation approaches the polls, it is imperative for voters to consider whether the NPP, under its current leadership, can genuinely deliver on its promises.

In a time when Ghana faces significant challenges, retaining a government that has lost the trust of its own ranks may not be the wisest choice. As history has shown, political parties that stray from their core values often find themselves facing the consequences at the ballot box. Ghanaians must weigh the voices of discontent against the promises of continuity, ensuring that their choice reflects a desire for accountability, transparency, and genuine progress.

Lord Fiifi Quayle is a political analyst based in Ghana, focusing on governance and electoral dynamics.

GHANA MUST WORK AGAIN