Paragraph 1: A Call for Unity and Renewal:
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, addressing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) through former Chief of Staff Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare at the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference, emphasized the critical need for unity, reform, and generational transformation following the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections. He expressed gratitude for the party’s support during his presidency and underscored the NPP’s historical record of fostering Ghana’s prosperity. While acknowledging the disappointment of the electoral loss, he urged the party to view this setback not as a point of fracture, but as a catalyst for introspection and renewal. He called for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and a recommitment to the core principles and values that have historically defined the NPP.
Paragraph 2: Reconciliation and Inclusive Leadership:
Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of reconciliation and inclusive leadership within the party, urging members to embrace their shared identity as a political family capable of healing internal divisions. He called for a process that ensures every member feels valued and has a voice within the party. This, he argued, is essential for rebuilding the bridges that may have been strained during the election cycle and creating a unified front moving forward. He emphasized that the strength of the NPP has always resided in its ability to unite diverse perspectives under a common banner.
Paragraph 3: Empowering the Next Generation:
The former president made a strong case for generational transition within the party, highlighting the importance of empowering younger members. He posited that these younger members should not be seen as future leaders, but as the present driving force of the party, bringing energy, innovation, and resilience to the rebuilding process. He specifically mentioned the Patriotic Institute as a crucial instrument for nurturing and developing this next generation of leaders. This focus on youth, Akufo-Addo argued, is not merely a symbolic gesture but a strategic imperative for the party’s continued relevance and success.
Paragraph 4: Embracing Institutional Reform:
Beyond generational change, Akufo-Addo also advocated for bold institutional reforms within the NPP. He asserted that certain party structures have become outdated and no longer serve the needs of modern governance and political competition. He called for a critical examination of these structures and laws, especially those rooted in the past, to pave the way for meaningful reforms that align with the current political landscape. This process, he emphasized, should be inclusive and involve all stakeholders within the party.
Paragraph 5: Upholding Ideals and Ensuring Credible Conduct:
While advocating for change and modernization, Akufo-Addo also underscored the importance of staying true to the NPP’s core ideological roots, which he identified as the Dankwa-Dombo-Busia political tradition. He warned, however, that adherence to these ideals must be accompanied by credible conduct and internal discipline. Failure to maintain high ethical standards, he cautioned, risks alienating the electorate and undermining the party’s credibility. He emphasized that the party’s actions during this period of rebuilding will be closely scrutinized by the Ghanaian people and will directly impact their confidence in the NPP.
Paragraph 6: A Call for Unity and Resolve – Looking Towards 2028:
In his concluding remarks, Akufo-Addo issued a rallying cry for unity and resolve within the NPP. He urged members to replace doubt with belief, recalling the party’s humble beginnings and its subsequent growth into a formidable political force. He framed the 2025 National Delegates Conference as a pivotal moment for the party, marking the beginning of a journey of recovery and rebuilding. The goal, he stressed, is to restore public confidence and strengthen the party’s base in preparation for the 2028 general elections. The former president’s message was a clear call for introspection, adaptation, and renewed dedication to the principles that have historically guided the NPP.
