'Rebuild and reclaim': Akufo-Addo’s post-Presidency message to a wounded NPP

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remain united, embrace meaningful reforms, and empower the party’s youth as the NPP seeks to regroup after its 2024 electoral loss.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by former Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, at the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference held Saturday at the University of Ghana, Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for the support he received during his presidency and called for renewed commitment to the ideals of the NPP.

“It was a great privilege to serve in that capacity on the ticket of our ever capable New Patriotic Party,” he said. “We have, through it all, demonstrated the resilience of our rank and file against challenges and shown without doubt, as our records have proven, that it is always only under the New Patriotic government that Ghana thrives.”

Akufo-Addo acknowledged the current mood of uncertainty and disappointment within the party following its exit from power but insisted that NPP must see the present moment as an opportunity for rebirth and growth.

“Whilst our present situation has been necessitated by circumstances we cannot ignore, I am optimistic that through dialogue, mutual understanding, strong commitment to our principles and values, we can rebuild the bridges and restore the unity that has always been our strength,” the former President said.

He stressed the importance of inclusive leadership and reconciliation, likening the party to a family that must “find ways to reconcile differences and ensure that every member has a place at the table and is up and ready to be counted.”

In a strong pitch for generational transformation, Akufo-Addo called for the party to invest in and harness the energy of its younger members.

“They are no more the future. They are the present. Their energy, innovation and resilience must be the driving forces behind our progress on this rebuilding journey,” he said, adding that initiatives such as the recently inaugurated Patriotic Institute must be leveraged to equip young people with knowledge and skills.

The former President also called for critical introspection and reform of outdated party structures that, in his view, no longer reflect the realities of Ghana’s political landscape.

“Our efforts must be all inclusive. That is why structures or laws grounded in a bygone era, which notably do not reflect the realities and aspirations of our contemporary existence, must be opened up and critically examined to allow for proper reforms,” he said.

While reaffirming his belief in the party’s founding principles, he reminded delegates of their duty to restore public confidence.

“We must continue to stand firm and united behind the eternally forthright ideals and principles of the Dankwa-Dombo-Busia political tradition, which has proven the most suited political tradition on our Ghanaian market,” Akufo-Addo said. “Our conduct throughout this period will either reinforce the confidence of the Ghanaian people in the NPP or draw them away from us.”

He concluded with a call for unity and purpose: “Let us make room for belief to replace doubt… For it was out of nothing that our illustrious forebears found purpose in a melting pot of seemingly small forms to bear what has over the years transformed into the formidable political ticket we have in the NPP.”

The National Annual Delegates Conference comes at a critical time for the party as it seeks to chart a new course following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.