A staunch supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong, has issued a stern warning to broadcast journalist and known NDC sympathizer, Nana Kwadwo Jantuah.
Sarpong emphasized that leadership in opposition is not merely about “eloquence” and “smooth-talking”, but rather about possessing the resilience and strategic thinking needed to steer the party effectively.
Sarpong emphasized that leading the NPP, which is currently in opposition, requires more than just public speaking skills.
Instead, he argued, the party needs leadership that is reliable, resilient, and unwavering in the face of political adversity. “It requires grit and courage to stand firm and battle one’s way through the scavengers on the other side.”
Highlighting the qualities of the current Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Sarpong expressed confidence in his leadership, noting that he possesses the necessary traits to guide the party.
“Whoever leads the NPP at this material moment must have all the aforementioned qualities or attributes. Afenyo-Markin and his team have all the above.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong further dismissed the notion that a minority leader should merely serve as a voice of opposition, arguing that leadership involves much more than public appearances and media engagements.
“One key element in leading a party in opposition is the ability to resource not only the side in Parliament but also reaching out to the grassroots. This is an integral aspect of Afenyo-Markin’s leadership.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong further challenged Jantuah’s criticism, questioning his authority to dispute the party’s decision to appoint Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader. “You ignorantly assume that a minority leader should be someone who would pander to the whims and caprices of the opposition?”
He maintained that Afenyo-Markin’s leadership had the full backing of both the party’s hierarchy and grassroots supporters, dismissing any external criticism as irrelevant.
Sarpong condemned Jantuah’s attempts to undermine the selection process and questioned his authority to challenge the legitimacy of Afenyo-Markin’s leadership.
He argued that leadership within the party is not merely about media appearances but about earning the trust and confidence of its members.
No Room for Baseless Criticism
Refuting assertions that Afenyo-Markin is ineffective in leading the NPP in Parliament, P. K Sarpong emphasized that leadership extends beyond public appearances and parliamentary debates.
He highlighted the extensive strategic planning, negotiations, and consensus-building that take place behind closed doors, shaping the party’s legislative direction.
He urged critics to look beyond what is visible on the floor of the House, stressing that real political maneuvering and decision-making often happen outside the public eye.
“I have had the cause to advise you to stop seeing yourself as the cistern of knowledge in every sphere of our politics. You only see what happens on the surface.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong reaffirmed that Afenyo-Markin has the full support of the party and its leadership, reiterating that attempts to undermine him will not be tolerated.
“If you have elected yourself to do the hatchet job for some people, go and tell them that you have hit a snag. We shall not sit on the fence for you or anyone else to subject the Leader to such attacks.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
While acknowledging that Afenyo-Markin, like any leader, is not beyond criticism, Sarpong maintained that constructive feedback is always welcome.
However, he warned that any deliberate efforts to discredit or weaken his leadership would be met with strong resistance.
He emphasized that baseless attacks aimed at undermining Afenyo-Markin’s authority would not be tolerated.
He concluded with a stern caution to Jantuah and others attempting to question Afenyo-Markin’s legitimacy, making it clear that the party stands firmly behind its choice.
He stressed that Afenyo-Markin was duly selected by the party’s leadership and grassroots, and any further attempts to tarnish his reputation would not be entertained. “We are not responsible for those who cannot accept this simple fact.”
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