A few months ago, closing ranks was only necessary as far as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) chances at translating Breaking the 8 from a mantra into a reality. A little over a week to November 4^th, maybe, now, closing ranks is necessary to circumvent a record-breaking defeat in the 2024 General Elections as winning seems a distant dream.

According to Gabby Otchere-Darko, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the party is prepared to rally around whoever wins the presidential primaries.

He expressed his admiration for the NPP because of its transparency and traditions of free speech.

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Thus, he urged the party’s sympathizers and members to be proud of the party’s achievement.

“An environment that is not safe to disagree in is not an environment focused on growth – it’s an environment focused on control.” – Varun Singhal. This is why we love and admire the New Patriotic Party. The quote above represents the NPP. So, if you are a member or sympathizer, don’t be disillusioned by some of the unfettered expressions of harsh views, however critical, jaundiced, or ungrateful they may sound.”

“The NPP that we know, once the party speaks and a new leader, with his new direction, is chosen, the Party will rally around him and support him and the cause of the collective. To this and all, we continue to pray…”
Gabby Otchere-Darko

He also urged that the party will stay true to its motto while emphasizing the achievements of the party throughout the pandemic and economic hardships.

“Despite all the challenges it is facing, the NPP must stay true to its motto: Development in Freedom.

NPP Flag

“The NPP, if its critics may admit, has persevered to develop our nation even under the most challenging of economic situations of recent years. With the harsh cost of living crisis, the anger and resentment of the people are understandable. But, the efforts being made to keep public services going and funding development projects should also not be lost on us.”
Gabby Otchere-Darko

He again hailed the party’s traditions of tolerance despite the challenges it may seem to pose.

“The NPP tolerates and even encourages dissent, including ones most caustic and undeserving. Some of those who were only yesterday, major beneficiaries of the party’s electoral fortunes and were tasked with the leadership responsibilities of helping the President deliver on his mandate, can be heard today leading to a crescendo that sounds like a chorus of doom.

“This may give the impression of disunity. But, no. It is what it is. It is what the NPP has always been, especially in periods of transition. Today, it is heightened and amplified by the speed and distance at which sensational news flies. Free expression is, indeed, the blood that flows through the veins of the Elephant.”
Gabby Otchere-Darko

The History And The Tradition

He revealed that the party at its founding, almost adopted another motto; “Ti Koro Nko Agyina which translates to a constructive meeting of minds that calls for heads of varying perspectives.

“It is who we are. The NPP is a party of activists and not spectators. It is a family of active and not passive voices.”
Gabby Otchere-Darko

He further noted that “as some fade naturally off the scene in this exciting transition and a new set takes over”, he is confident the new crop of leadership will not only continue with the tradition and its principles, but will, even more importantly, take positive, instructive lessons from the negative experiences of recent years, to make the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition even stronger and better.

According to him, the tradition is “to lead and serve responsibly in developing Ghana with enterprise and freedom, with compassion and an even greater sense of urgency”.

“Ours is to be the lead enablers in the national mission of establishing a prosperous society of opportunities and dignity for every child born of this land, regardless of his or her background. Let us never forget that.”
Gabby Otchere-Darko

The NPP is gearing up to select its presidential candidate on November 4th, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections.

The contenders for the position include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.