Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku’s critique of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) centers on the detrimental influence of “entrenched political actors” whose dominance, he argues, jeopardizes the party’s unity and future electoral prospects. These individuals, according to Dr. Opoku, operate under what he terms the “Entrenchment Theory,” a self-serving approach to politics characterized by the consolidation of power, the suppression of dissenting voices, and a relentless pursuit of personal gain at the expense of the party’s overall well-being. He warns that the NPP’s continued tolerance of these practices is a “recipe for chaos” and urges the party to undertake a thorough purge of these actors to ensure its survival and growth.
The Entrenchment Theory, as defined by Dr. Opoku, outlines a pattern of behavior among certain political figures within the NPP. These individuals prioritize their own positions and influence above all else, actively working to solidify their control and eliminate potential challenges to their authority. They surround themselves with loyalists who reinforce their power structure, creating an echo chamber that discourages critical thinking and alternative perspectives. This insular environment fosters a culture of unquestioning obedience and stifles any attempts at internal reform or change. Ultimately, the focus shifts from serving the party’s interests to serving the interests of the entrenched actors themselves.
Dr. Opoku contends that this self-serving behavior manifests in several damaging ways. Entrenched actors become indispensable, not through competence or merit, but through manipulation and control. They actively undermine potential rivals, hindering the emergence of new leaders and fresh ideas. Even in the face of underperformance or declining electoral results, they cling to power, prioritizing their own positions over the party’s overall success. This creates a system where accountability is absent and mediocrity is tolerated, ultimately weakening the party’s ability to connect with voters and address critical issues.
The consequences of the Entrenchment Theory, according to Dr. Opoku, are evident in the NPP’s recent electoral challenges. He points to poor performance at certain polling stations and the loss of parliamentary seats as direct results of the party’s internal dysfunction. The dominance of entrenched actors, he argues, has created a disconnect between the party leadership and the grassroots, leading to voter apathy and declining support. He uses the metaphor of a high fever (38.2 degrees Celsius) to illustrate the severity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and reform.
Dr. Opoku’s call for change is a stark warning to the NPP. He insists that the party must confront the issue of entrenched actors head-on and take decisive action to curtail their influence. He argues that the future of the NPP depends on breaking free from the grip of self-serving leadership and embracing a new era of transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the party and the nation. This requires a fundamental shift in the party’s culture, moving away from the insular practices of the Entrenchment Theory and towards a more inclusive and meritocratic approach to leadership.
The essence of Dr. Opoku’s message is a plea for the NPP to prioritize its long-term health and viability over the short-term interests of a select few. He argues that the party must choose between continuing down a path of self-destruction, fueled by the entrenched actors and their self-serving practices, or embarking on a path of renewal and reform. The choice, he suggests, is clear: the NPP must purge itself of the Entrenchment Theory and its proponents if it hopes to survive and thrive in the future political landscape. This requires a commitment to internal democracy, open dialogue, and a genuine willingness to embrace change, even if it means challenging the existing power structures within the party.
