As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries, the internal dynamics of leadership and loyalty are once again in the spotlight.
Former Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso Constituency, Seth Kwame Acheampong, has emphasized that NPP unity is far more critical than the ambitions of any individual candidate.
His remarks come in the wake of former Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum’s declaration of intent to contest the party’s flagbearer slot.
In an earnest commentary on the current political moment, Acheampong made clear that his focus remains firmly on the cohesion of the party.
“I believe that what is more important to me as a patriot is the unity of my political party. It’s about the unity of purpose because once you are united, you can fight everything, and you can do everything.”
Seth Kwame Acheampong
He argued that the well-being of the NPP lies in its collective action and not in the elevation of a singular presidential hopeful.
“No presidential candidate is over and above the New Patriotic Party. The most important thing is that we are working together as a team,” he stated, stressing that while members may not always be personal allies, shared commitment to the party’s values must remain paramount.
Acheampong reminded party faithful of the founding spirit of the NPP, urging a return to those core values.
“We have to believe in the spirit that carried our forebears, that our forebears left for us as a legacy, what we have come to inherit, what we have also lived for, which is so beneficial to the Ghanaian people when they offer us the opportunity to lead them again.”
Seth Kwame Acheampong
NPP Unity, Loyalty Urged
The former MP maintains that the pursuit of unity should go beyond internal party rivalry and serve as a foundational principle in choosing the next leader.
He emphasized his continued commitment to advocating for peace, cohesion, and the reinforcement of the party’s political heritage.
He stressed that the next leader of the NPP must be someone who recognizes this necessity. Without unity, he warned, real progress would be unattainable.
The NPP, as he described it, is “a very big family that is always assertive,” making the task of unification not only desirable but essential.
Acheampong further emphasized that leadership in the NPP cannot be viewed through a narrow partisan lens. Rather, aspirants must see themselves as stewards of national interest.
“Am I cut out for this job? Do I think that I’ll be able to? You see, putting yourself up for stewardship is not just for the New Patriotic Party. You’re putting yourself up for stewardship for the entirety of the Republic of Ghana.”
Seth Kwame Acheampong
He described the NPP as a vehicle through which candidates can pursue national development goals—but one that demands ideological alignment and a deep understanding of democratic legacy.
“You believe that what the party preaches is what you also believe in as an ideology, and so you want to belong, and you want to use that vehicle to sell yourself out and what you’re endowed with to the Republic of Ghana and by extension to the world at large.”
Seth Kwame Acheampong
Acheampong reminded aspirants that winning the party’s leadership means stepping into a role that carries national and international responsibility.
He stressed that anyone who leads the party and eventually the country becomes Ghana’s representative to the global community. This, he argued, is why preserving unity within the NPP is essential and non-negotiable.
Call to Respect Party Council Decisions
Addressing concerns surrounding the party council’s role in the upcoming primaries, Acheampong said he respects the authority vested in the council by the NPP constitution.
He explained that Article 13 and its subsequent sections empower the party’s national council to make binding decisions. While members may seek amendments at the party’s July conference, the council’s authority must be recognized.
He recognized that party members have a legitimate right to challenge internal decisions and the timing of the presidential primaries, noting that they are entitled to propose motions for reconsideration during the party’s conference.
However, he insisted that those motions must be pursued through the proper channels and not undermine the authority of the council.
He defended the council as a body comprised of experienced minds, stating that decisions are not made lightly.
“The council of a political party is made up of minds, very experienced—and it’s not just experienced minds but people who have technical know-how. Before the general secretary is permitted to speak on a matter, it would be thoroughly discussed.”
Seth Kwame Acheampong
Acheampong concluded by reiterating his confidence in the decisions taken so far and expressed hope that future deliberations would allow him to share any further reservations.
He called on party members to put aside personal interests and focus on collective strength, saying he believes in what has been done and continues to hope for a stronger, united NPP.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Climate Minister Urges Global Investment in African NDCs
