Loyalty should be ad infinitum and stand the test of time, but amongst the deliberations of the heart of men it is a fickle endeavor which is bound to change when given the reason to.

People change for so many reasons. For some, it is a retaliatory measure to betrayal, disappointment and for others, it’s just to test the sheer strength of a group’s worth.

Groups and institutions thrive, not because of the singleness of men, but the singleness of purpose to carrying out an agreed objective with a united front. This, however, does not stop factions from brewing at the doors of behemoth institutions, and when that institution is a political one, the more interesting the plot is.

Since Ghana gained Independence in 1957, Ghanaians have formed more than 50 political parties to compete for power. Some are still in existence, while others are defunct, revealing the delicate yet profound impact on political parties’ principles and constitutions entrenched in the minds of its members.

Political parties every now and then hold internal elections to elect someone to lead the party in a particular respect, especially in preparation for a bigger national contest – most often being a presidential or parliamentary bid. As expected, alliances are formed within the party to support the ambition of the aspirants within the party.

However, the aftermath and overspills which sometimes when barely addressed aptly, produce resents which causes factions to brew within the same party.

This story clearly fits into the New Patriotic Party’s CV, as its decision to elect a new flagbearer has turned the party belly up, revealing a rather soft, delicate and even vulnerable part an opposition of predatory nature can take advantage of.

The concerns of the flagbearer election skewed to favor the ‘chosen’ allegations whipped some clouds over the party, issues of violence orchestrated against supporters of some aspirants equally ripped further the fabric of the party and it is little wonder there have been resignation and defections within the party in recent times.

Meanwhile, the decision by the NPP to expel Hopeson Adorye, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Nana Ohene Ntow, and Boniface Abubakar Saddique from the party on grounds of supporting former member of the party and now, Independent Candidate, Alan Kyerematen, has raised some eyebrows.

Making a case for a third force

Nonetheless, one of the expelled personalities, Buaben Asamoa in a statement stated that although none of the persons mentioned has received a personal copy, they accept the resignation from the NPP and pledge commitment to Ghana’s success through our support for Alan Kyerematen.

Also, he reckoned it an opportunity to respond and set the minds of concerned, well-meaning patriots at ease on a few things.

Among other things, he revealed that hundreds of thousands of NPP members and millions of sympathizers are deeply unhappy at the so called ‘mafia’ tactics of intimidation and inducement used to skew delegate elections in favour of choices that may not necessarily be popular with the general electorate.

Arguably, the expelled member believes that the patient Ghanaian voter, has been short-changed by the presidential candidate selection processes of both the NPP and NDC. He contended that the lack of “genuine choice of candidates at party level, translates into a loss of trust in duopoly politics and increasing apathy, hence the loud chorus for a credible third force leadership if democratic practice is to be sustained for the benefit of youthful voters”.

“That is why a bold and viable candidate like Alan Kyerematen, meets the need of the times. I and my friends Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene-Ntow and Saddique Abu-Bakar Boniface, in our support for Alan Kyerematen, a man of vision, competence, integrity and action, represent millions of Ghanaians who want to serve the country with a clear conscience…
“Ghana is ready for a political third force capable of breaking unproductive duopoly politics. We do not need a change of constitution to effect the change of leadership that the parties are incapable of offering. We have Alan Kyerematen. Together, our support for his independent presidency will unleash the development energy being suppressed by tit for tat duopoly politics.”
Yaw Buaben Asamoa

Indeed, the decision of a breakaway faction to pursue a different ideal is not lost on any democratic country. With one of the rights afforded to citizens being one the freedom of association, the NPP cannot hold any noose around their necks to stay in the party.

Coalitions come into being and fall apart, and those in the saddle are desperate to save themselves and thus indulge in floor crossing. On the other hand, smaller parties, factions or independents are equally desperate to have their pie of the cake. The result is a marriage of convenience.

Although the duopoly of Ghana’s political scene has gotten a little tiring for Ghanaians; is the country ready for a third force or is this the opportunity for the country to rather strengthen its political framework even more to allow for a thriving state?