Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party to place the unity and long-term survival of the party above personal ambition as it prepares to elect a new flagbearer later this month.
Addressing party leaders and aspirants at the signing of a peace pact ahead of the January 31, 2026 presidential primaries, Akufo-Addo described the agreement as a serious moral and political commitment rather than a ceremonial exercise. He stressed that how aspirants conduct themselves before, during, and after the primaries would shape not only the future of the NPP but also how the wider Ghanaian public perceives the party.
He reminded the aspirants that internal competition must never be allowed to weaken the collective strength of the party, insisting that no individual interest should outweigh the common purpose that binds members together. According to him, loyalty to personalities should never override loyalty to the party itself, warning that internal divisions have the potential to undermine years of political work.
Drawing lessons from the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections, the former President cautioned that political organisations that fail to manage either victory or defeat with maturity risk losing public confidence. He said Ghanaians closely observe not only political promises, but also the behaviour, discipline, and restraint of those seeking leadership.
Akufo-Addo acknowledged that competitive campaigns often generate tension and strong emotions among supporters, but urged aspirants to ensure that their campaigns remain respectful and grounded in the values the party has historically upheld. He emphasised that the NPP’s political tradition does not accommodate intimidation, insults, or bitterness, and that firm competition must be balanced with fairness and mutual respect.
He further noted that unity is not merely a slogan for political rallies but a strategic necessity for electoral success. In his view, a divided party cannot present itself as a credible alternative to the electorate, especially at a time when the NPP is seeking to rebuild public trust following its defeat to the National Democratic Congress in 2024.
The former President called on aspirants to treat the peace pact as a binding commitment that must be reflected in their actions long after the ballots are counted. He stressed that once the primaries are concluded, the party must move forward with a shared purpose and a single direction, regardless of individual outcomes.
Expressing confidence in the party’s future, Akufo-Addo said he believes the NPP remains well positioned to offer solutions to Ghana’s challenges, provided it remains united and disciplined. He urged members at all levels, particularly the grassroots and the youth, to uphold the values of fraternity and collective responsibility that have sustained the party over the years.
As the NPP heads into what many see as a defining internal contest, his message was clear: ambition must be tempered by responsibility, competition must not descend into conflict, and the unity of the party must come first if it hopes to regain the confidence of the Ghanaian people ahead of the 2028 general elections.
