Reconnect with the people or risk irrelevance – Kufuor warns NPP
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called on the leadership and grassroots of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to undertake honest introspection and reconnect with the Ghanaian electorate or risk a further decline in political relevance.
He was speaking on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the launch of the Patriotic Institute, the party’s newly established policy and ideological centre.
Mr Kufuor stated that the NPP’s electoral setbacks in recent years were not due to a rejection of its core philosophy but rather the result of a growing disconnect between the party and the people it seeks to serve.
“If we examine the electoral history of 2016, 2020 and 2024 with sincerity, we will recognise that the Ghanaian electorate has matured and cannot be deceived,” Mr Kufuor said. “Let me assure you, the Ghanaian electorate—not just our supporters—has not turned away from our values.”
Mr Kufuor, who served as President from 2001 to 2009, noted that the party must confront its internal divisions and its failure to effectively communicate its ideals. “We must not deceive ourselves,” he said. “It is time to pause and face the truth.”
He attributed the NPP’s recent difficulties to a lack of unity and increasing individualism, drawing parallels to the 1979 election defeat. “Individualism and self-interest led to our downfall in 1979,” he said. “A political party must be united and reconciled. Without unity, can we even call ourselves a party?”
Recalling the vision of the party’s early leaders, Mr Kufuor cited Dr J.B. Danquah, Professor K.A. Busia, and Chief S.D. Dombo as examples of leadership rooted in democratic values, accountability, and service to the nation. He said those ideals should remain the party’s foundation.
“It is not about personalities. Our principles must lead—not Danquah, Busia, or even President Akufo-Addo,” he said. “If we stay true to these timeless values, this party can remain relevant now and in the future.”
Mr Kufuor also addressed perceptions of ethnic bias, urging the party to take practical steps to widen its appeal.
“Our opponents have long portrayed us as tribal. If we fail to confront this image, we reinforce it ourselves,” he said. “We are in a deep hole, and unless we apply careful thinking and act wisely, we could go the way of other once-dominant parties.”
He encouraged the youth of the NPP to assert themselves rather than wait for appointments. “I was 30 when I was elected by my constituency, and Busia gave me a major role,” he recalled. “Stop complaining about a lack of opportunity. Stand up and contest.”
Mr Kufuor also warned against poor campaign messaging and the increasing use of money to influence voters. He said the practice could easily backfire.
“Bribing voters may not deliver the results you expect. People may take your money but vote against you because they want real leadership and public service,” he said. “It is trust, not cash, that earns lasting support.”
The Patriotic Institute is expected to serve as a non-partisan policy centre for ideological development, leadership training, and strategy ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr Kufuor ended his speech with a strong appeal: “Let us go back to the drawing board. Let us examine ourselves and our competitors honestly and work to serve Ghana with fairness and inclusion… Without political power, we cannot implement anything.”
