Paragraph 1: Critique of NPP’s Performance and Call for Improvement
Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders in South Africa, has delivered a scathing assessment of the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) performance, characterizing it as subpar and urging them to elevate their efforts to contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress. Quashie, speaking on Joy News’ Newspaper Review, attributed the NPP’s underwhelming performance to the resounding defeat they suffered in the 2024 elections, suggesting the party is still reeling from the shock. He expressed hope, however, that the NPP would eventually recover and resume a more robust role in the political landscape. This call for improvement underscores the importance of a strong opposition in a healthy democracy, a sentiment echoed throughout Quashie’s comments.
Paragraph 2: Assessing the Minority’s Performance: A Mixed Bag
Turning his attention to the NPP’s parliamentary minority, Quashie offered a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging a mix of commendable and disappointing performances. He singled out Kojo Oppong Nkrumah for praise, commending his insightful suggestions, which Quashie believes merit consideration by the ruling NDC government. This highlights a willingness to acknowledge valuable contributions from the opposition, suggesting a pragmatic approach to governance that transcends partisan lines. Conversely, Quashie criticized Ntim Fordjour’s handling of the "flight brouhaha," an unspecified incident related to air travel, suggesting Fordjour’s actions were driven by emotion rather than fact and ultimately damaged the minority’s credibility. This critique underscores the importance of reasoned and evidence-based discourse in political debate.
Paragraph 3: The Importance of Inclusivity in National Policy Implementation
Quashie emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach to national policy implementation, contrasting the NDC’s approach with what he characterized as the NPP’s "winner takes all" mentality. He argued that excluding opposing viewpoints from the implementation of key policies, such as the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Free Senior High School policy, ultimately hinders their effectiveness. This critique of the NPP’s past approach serves as a foundation for Quashie’s advocacy for a more collaborative and participatory model of governance. He specifically cited the GoldBod initiative, a policy related to gold resources, as an example where incorporating diverse perspectives is crucial.
Paragraph 4: The Value of Cross-Party Collaboration and the ‘GoldBod’ Initiative
Quashie’s call for inclusivity extended to a specific recommendation for Sammy Gyamfi, a prominent figure within the NDC, urging him to incorporate suggestions from minority members, particularly those from Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, into the implementation of the GoldBod initiative. This specific instance of encouraging collaboration reinforces Quashie’s broader message regarding the importance of diverse viewpoints. He stressed the need for a paradigm shift in managing national resources like gold, moving away from exclusionary practices towards a more collaborative and transparent approach. This highlights the potential for national unity and improved governance through cross-party collaboration.
Paragraph 5: Positive Signs from Dr. Bawumia and the ‘Thank You Tour’
Quashie also noted positive developments within the NPP, specifically referencing Dr. Bawumia’s "thank you tour" and his inclusive approach of inviting leaders from various parties to participate. This gesture, according to Quashie, is a promising indication of a more collaborative and less adversarial political environment. He expressed optimism that this approach could contribute to a more vibrant and effective opposition, which in turn would benefit the country as a whole. This acknowledgement of positive steps from the opposition demonstrates a balanced perspective, recognizing progress while still maintaining a critical stance on overall performance.
Paragraph 6: The Importance of a Vibrant Opposition for a Successful ‘Reset Agenda’
Quashie concluded his remarks by reiterating the crucial role of a robust opposition in holding the ruling government accountable and driving progress. He framed this as essential for the success of the NDC’s "reset agenda," a program presumably aimed at revitalizing and reforming various aspects of governance. He stressed that a strong and active opposition would compel the NDC to remain focused and deliver on their promises, ultimately benefiting the nation. This final point underscores the interconnectedness of a strong opposition and effective governance, emphasizing the importance of a dynamic and competitive political landscape for achieving national goals.
