In a blunt message to politically motivated social media commentators, Dr Richard Apau, a season Diplomat and System Analyst at the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre (AUCTC) has urged party “footsoldiers” to exercise restraint and “learn some common sense.”
His comments underscored a widening disconnect between high-level political actors who maintain cordial working relationships and grassroots party loyalists who often indulge in vitriolic partisanship.
Dr. Apau shared insights from his years of collaboration with top government officials from both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Reflecting on his engagements, he emphasized that, despite fierce political competition, leaders of both parties routinely support each other in advancing Ghana’s interests on the global stage.
“Earlier this morning, I asked if the NDC or The Flagbearer of the NDC has congratulated Mrs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. Most of the NDC footsoldiers were under my post throwing tantrums. My own student,that I taught at UEW Mickey Sedem De-Murphy provided a disrespectful comment on that post.
“I can say, without any hesitation that at the highest level, there is no iota of acrimony between the leaders of NPP and NDC, and even between past government appointees and present government appointees. They got each other and are each other’s keepers”.
Dr Richard Apau, a Season Diplomat and System Analyst at the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre – AUCTC
Ghana’s Collective Interest
Dr Apau, who doubles as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) further pointed out that this sense of unity and respect for Ghana’s collective interests is what has propelled Ghanaian candidates to prominent international roles, often with cross-party support, even in the aftermath of politically charged election cycles.
To illustrate this dynamic, Dr Apau highlighted how President Akufo-Addo, after a “bitter 2016 election”, actively supported a leading member of the opposition NDC, Mr Kwesi Botchwey, in his successful bid for Deputy Chairperson of the African Union.
This, he noted, demonstrates the unspoken agreement among Ghana’s top leaders to prioritize the country over personal or party conflicts when it comes to international matters.
He highlighted that this internal collaboration is routine and reciprocal, citing former NDC administrations that supported NPP-affiliated candidates, in previous international appointments including the former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen’s bid for the International Labour Organization chairmanship.
Referencing the partisan attacks he received following his call for a congratulatory message from the opposition party to Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her recent election as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Dr Apau stated that he was not surprised that “Less than six hours later,” former President John Dramani Mahama extended a congratulatory message to the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Call for Constructive Discourse
Dr Apau called for the need for political party supporters to recognize that political party affiliations should not obstruct genuine, constructive discourse.
He expressed optimism that if former President Mahama were to win the next election, he would extend the same resources and support to qualified candidates from the current administration who might pursue international positions.
“So you NDC footsoldiers, how do you feel that less than 6 hours of insulting me, former President Mahama has sent a congratulatory message?
“This is Ghana 🇬🇭, those who matter most in the decision-making processes of your party know what decisions to take at any point in the interest of Ghana, so just stop overthinking yourself. The Ghana out there is different from what you see on TV and Radio between NPP and NDC if that is what you think.”
Dr Richard Apau, a Season Diplomat and System Analyst at the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre – AUCTC
The message was rounded off with a reminder to young Ghanaians that high-level politicians, contrary to popular belief, frequently work across party lines to promote Ghana’s international standing.
He also pointed to the election of notable figures, such as Dr Ibn Chambas, a former Member of Parliament for the opposition NDC to influential roles with the support of the former President Kufour’s administrations, illustrating that Ghana’s top leadership maintains a tradition of promoting merit over partisan allegiance.
“The fact is that if Mrs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s election was in January 2025, after a tumultuous election period and President Mahama won, he would have spent our taxpayers’ money to go around the 56 Members of the Commonwealth and campaign for her.
“President Mahama would not have left the Hon Minister to her fate. This is the Ghana I know beyond your NPP NDC politicking’.
Dr Richard Apau, a Season Diplomat and System Analyst at the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre – AUCTC
Dr Apau’s comments add to a growing conversation about the role of political rhetoric and partisanship in Ghanaian society.
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