The internal political landscape of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) is experiencing turbulence in the wake of the 2024 election loss, with disputes arising over the legitimacy and proceedings of a committee established to investigate the defeat. Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, sparked controversy by publicly dismissing the committee, chaired by Professor Mike Oquaye, as “bogus.” This statement drew sharp criticism from within the party, particularly from NPP Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, who defended the committee’s integrity and questioned Adwoa Safo’s premature judgment.
Haruna Mohammed expressed his strong disapproval of Adwoa Safo’s remarks, emphasizing the esteemed reputation of the committee members and highlighting the importance of respecting party decisions. He pointed out that Professor Oquaye is merely the chairman, and the committee comprises other respected individuals whose contributions should not be disregarded. Mohammed underscored that labeling a national council-appointed committee as “bogus” on a public platform undermines the party’s authority and violates Article 3(5) of the party’s constitution, which mandates members to uphold and publicly support party decisions.
Furthermore, Mohammed questioned the timing and basis of Adwoa Safo’s criticism, noting that the committee was still in its early stages of investigation and had not yet produced a report. He stressed that it was inappropriate to preemptively judge the committee’s work, especially when its findings were yet to be finalized. He clarified that the committee had just commenced its information-gathering process, including a meeting with former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and therefore, Adwoa Safo’s condemnation was unfounded and premature.
Mohammed’s defense of the committee underscores the internal divisions within the NPP following the election defeat. Adwoa Safo’s dismissive comments suggest a level of distrust or dissatisfaction with the party’s internal processes, possibly reflecting broader tensions within the NPP. The public nature of this disagreement highlights the challenges the party faces in presenting a united front as it analyzes the reasons for its electoral loss and charts a course forward. This incident also raises questions about the party’s ability to manage internal dissent and maintain discipline among its members.
The controversy surrounding the investigative committee and Adwoa Safo’s reaction reflects the broader challenges faced by political parties in the aftermath of electoral defeat. The need to analyze the reasons for the loss, assign responsibility, and develop strategies for future success often leads to internal disagreements and power struggles. The NPP’s situation demonstrates how these internal tensions can spill over into public view, potentially damaging the party’s image and hindering its efforts to regroup and regain public trust. The incident also highlights the importance of establishing clear internal processes for addressing disagreements and maintaining party unity, particularly during times of crisis.
Ultimately, the clash between Adwoa Safo and Haruna Mohammed represents a microcosm of the larger challenges facing the NPP. The party must navigate internal divisions, manage public perceptions, and develop a coherent strategy for the future. The ability of the NPP to address these challenges effectively will significantly impact its prospects in future elections and its overall standing within Ghana’s political landscape. Addressing the underlying issues that led to Adwoa Safo’s public outburst, as well as fostering a more open and inclusive internal dialogue, might be crucial for the party’s long-term stability and success.
