The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing internal dissent and a potential fracturing of its ranks as a prominent figure, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, a former political science lecturer and stalwart of the party, has announced his departure and the formation of a new political movement, the New Patriotic Front (NPF). This development has sparked a debate within the NPP and raised concerns about the party’s future, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections. Eric Nartey Yeboah, the Greater Accra Regional Second Vice Chairman of the NPP, has publicly appealed to Dr. Amoako Baah to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the need for experienced and intellectual members like him to remain within the party and contribute to its reform and rebuilding.
Mr. Yeboah, also known as Chairman Dollar, argues that abandoning the NPP at this juncture is akin to deserting one’s home during a robbery instead of standing ground to defend it. He underscores the importance of Dr. Amoako Baah’s intellect and experience, portraying his departure as a significant loss for the party. Yeboah contends that internal reform is essential and that individuals like Dr. Amoako Baah are crucial to this process. He appeals to a sense of shared history and responsibility, urging Dr. Amoako Baah to reconsider his decision for the greater good of the party and its future.
Dr. Amoako Baah’s decision to form the NPF stems from his disillusionment with the current leadership of the NPP, which he accuses of betraying the core principles and ideals of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition. He cites arrogance, incompetence, and entrenched corruption as the primary reasons for his departure. According to Dr. Amoako Baah, the NPP has deviated from its foundational principles of service and principled leadership, succumbing instead to sycophancy and the pursuit of personal gain. He positions the NPF as a credible alternative for Ghanaians, promising a focus on accountability, honesty, and genuine public service, values he believes the NPP has abandoned.
This public rift within the NPP highlights deeper concerns about internal democracy, leadership accountability, and the party’s direction. Dr. Amoako Baah’s accusations against the current leadership, coupled with his decision to form a new political movement, raise questions about the extent to which the NPP has drifted from its founding principles. The timing of this split, with the 2028 general elections looming, adds another layer of complexity. It remains to be seen whether Dr. Amoako Baah’s departure will trigger a broader exodus of disillusioned members or serve as a catalyst for internal reform within the NPP.
Chairman Dollar’s appeal to Dr. Amoako Baah draws on the historical legacy of figures like Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, highlighting their commitment to remaining within the party and working through adversity. He uses this historical precedent to underscore the importance of internal reform and to persuade Dr. Amoako Baah to reconsider his decision. The contrasting viewpoints of Yeboah and Amoako Baah represent a fundamental disagreement about the best way forward for the NPP. While Yeboah advocates for internal reform, Amoako Baah believes the party is beyond redemption and that a new platform is necessary to uphold the values and principles he believes the NPP has abandoned.
The formation of the NPF presents a new challenge for the NPP, potentially splitting the vote and weakening its position in future elections. Dr. Amoako Baah’s criticisms of the NPP leadership resonate with some segments of the population, particularly those who feel disillusioned with the current political climate. The success of the NPF will depend on its ability to attract a significant following and establish itself as a viable alternative to the NPP. This situation presents a crucial moment for the NPP, requiring it to address the concerns raised by Dr. Amoako Baah and other dissenting voices within the party. Failure to do so could lead to further fragmentation and weaken its prospects in the 2028 elections and beyond.
