The Ashanti Regional Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a stern call for decorum and respect in the party’s ongoing presidential primaries. Deeply concerned by emerging trends of inflammatory rhetoric and divisive tactics employed by certain factions within the party, the Elders, in a statement released on September 3, 2025, emphasized the importance of maintaining a civil and respectful discourse throughout the campaign process. They specifically denounced the use of insults, sectarian appeals, and defamatory attacks, firmly asserting that such behaviors are detrimental to the party’s image and have no place in a contest that should be focused on policy, vision, and the best interests of the NPP. The Council made it clear that it will actively monitor the campaigns to ensure adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
The Elders’ statement highlights the growing unease within the party about the potential for internal divisions and reputational damage caused by the increasingly acrimonious nature of the flagbearer race. The Council’s appeal underscores the critical need for aspirants to prioritize party unity and to engage in a constructive dialogue centered on presenting their respective platforms and visions for the future of the NPP. By condemning the use of personal attacks, divisive language, and other forms of negative campaigning, the Elders aim to steer the contest towards a more substantive exchange of ideas and policy proposals, ultimately strengthening the party as it prepares for the upcoming general elections. The Council’s proactive stance signals their determination to safeguard the party’s image and prevent the primaries from degenerating into a destructive internal conflict.
The specific mention of “sectarian campaigning” by the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders draws attention to a particularly insidious form of political maneuvering that can exploit existing fault lines within a party or society at large. Sectarian appeals are often based on identity politics, playing on regional, ethnic, or religious differences to garner support. Such tactics, while potentially effective in the short term, can have long-lasting negative consequences, sowing seeds of discord and undermining the broader unity necessary for a political party to function effectively. The Elders’ condemnation of this practice reflects their understanding of the potential harm it can inflict on the NPP and their commitment to fostering an inclusive and cohesive environment within the party.
The statement also emphasizes the importance of focusing on “ideas, vision, and policies.” This call for a substantive and policy-driven campaign underscores the belief that the NPP’s future success hinges on choosing a leader who can articulate a compelling vision and propose effective policies to address the challenges facing the nation. By urging aspirants to prioritize these aspects of their campaigns, the Elders are encouraging a deeper engagement with the critical issues of the day, rather than resorting to personal attacks or superficial slogans. This focus on substance is crucial not only for selecting the most qualified candidate but also for strengthening the party’s overall policy platform and presenting a cohesive and credible vision to the electorate.
The Council’s commitment to closely monitoring the campaigns and ensuring adherence to standards of civility signifies their resolve to act as guardians of the party’s values and principles. This proactive stance sends a clear message to aspirants and their supporters that they will be held accountable for their actions and that the party will not tolerate behavior that undermines its unity and reputation. By committing to monitor the campaigns, the Elders are establishing themselves as impartial arbiters, working to ensure a fair and transparent process that ultimately benefits the entire party. This demonstrates their recognition of the significant stakes involved in the flagbearer race and their determination to prevent it from becoming a source of division and instability within the NPP.
The statement, signed by Victor Owusu, Secretary of the NPP Ashanti Regional Council of Elders, carries significant weight within the party. The Ashanti Region is considered a stronghold of the NPP, and the Council of Elders holds a respected position within the party’s structure. Their intervention signifies the seriousness with which the party’s leadership views the potential for damage from an overly contentious primary contest. The Elders’ statement serves as a timely reminder that while internal competition is a natural part of the democratic process, it must be conducted within the bounds of respect and decorum, with the overall well-being of the party taking precedence over individual ambitions. This call for unity and civility is not merely a plea for good behavior; it is a strategic imperative if the NPP hopes to present a united front and maintain its competitiveness in the upcoming general elections.
