Divine Otu Agorhom, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), delivered a powerful message at the party’s National Delegates Conference, held at the University of Ghana Stadium. His address centered on the party’s resolve to protect the integrity of the 2028 general elections and the need for internal reform and unity within the NPP. Agorhom expressed deep concern over what he perceived as significant flaws in the 2024 electoral process, alleging widespread irregularities, including voter intimidation, violence, and ballot box interference. While accepting the election results as the people’s will, he stressed the importance of addressing these issues to ensure free and fair elections in the future.
Agorhom pointed to the July 14 re-run election in Ablekuma North as a prime example of the alleged electoral malpractice. He claimed the NPP had initially won the constituency by over 400 votes, but the results were overturned due to what he described as collusion between the Electoral Commission and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He further accused the police of inaction while NPP observers and journalists were allegedly assaulted during the re-run. This incident, he argued, represented not only an attack on the NPP but also a threat to Ghana’s democracy. Agorhom emphasized the need to address these issues, not out of bitterness, but out of a sense of responsibility to prevent violence and fear from characterizing future elections.
Beyond external challenges, Agorhom also acknowledged internal issues within the NPP. He cautioned against directing post-election frustrations towards party leadership, emphasizing the need to avoid internal divisions and maintain unity. He called on members to reaffirm their commitment to the party’s core values and work together towards a common goal. He stressed the importance of restoring discipline and focusing on the party’s founding principles of service and dedication to the nation’s progress. This internal reflection, he argued, is crucial for the party to regain public trust and rebuild momentum for future electoral success.
Agorhom praised the party’s decision to amend its constitution and hold early presidential primaries. He viewed this as a strategic move to address internal divisions, providing ample time for the chosen candidate to connect with the electorate and build a strong campaign for 2028. He believed this proactive approach would enable the party to effectively reorganize and present a united front to the nation. This early preparation, he argued, is crucial for reclaiming power in the next general elections and demonstrating the party’s commitment to learning from past experiences.
He emphasized that regaining power would require more than just slogans and superficial campaigns. He called for unity, not just the absence of criticism, but a shared purpose and vision for the country. He highlighted the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering respect for the party’s structures and processes. This, he argued, was the only path to regaining public trust and demonstrating the party’s readiness to govern effectively. He warned against complacency and emphasized the need for a sustained and disciplined effort to connect with the grassroots and address the concerns of ordinary citizens.
In his concluding remarks, Agorhom paid tribute to the late Ernest Kumi, highlighting his courage and sacrifice as an example for party members. He reiterated the NPP’s commitment to fighting for justice, serving the people of Ghana, and presenting a renewed national vision. He urged all members to embrace unity, discipline, and hard work as the guiding principles for the party’s future endeavors, emphasizing that only through collective effort and dedication could the NPP achieve its goals and regain the trust of the Ghanaian people. He framed the upcoming period as an opportunity for renewal and growth, calling on all members to rise to the occasion and work towards a stronger and more unified NPP.
