The top-down approach adopted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in selecting its flagbearer can be described as political suicide. The internal and external turmoil currently engulfing top-ranking personalities of the party, who are openly raising their voices, underscores the fact that the NPP is navigating uncharted waters—ones that may lead to another heavy electoral defeat.
The lineup of the top five contenders in the flagbearer race can generally be described as weak, with significant political baggage, especially when assessed against the poor performance of the economy and the instability of the cedi against the US dollar.
This raises questions about the political message and persuasion the NPP can deploy to convince Ghanaians to vote for them again.
These issues were discussed on the “Thursday Class” segment of Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show aired on 92.3 FM in Accra and hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu. The discussion featured the former Member of Parliament for Madina and Board Chairman of the National Fertilizer Council, Amadu Bukari Sorogho, alongside Malik Adam.
The panel discussion highlighted what the guests described as the sterling leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, while challenging the NPP’s current position as a weak political opposition plagued by internal and external power struggles.
Malik Adam, a member of the NDC National Communication Team, stated that it is not surprising the NPP is facing such challenges. He noted, however, that he wishes the party would emerge as a strong opposition capable of holding the government accountable. According to him, the NDC and its leader are working diligently to stabilize the economy and put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians. He contrasted the current situation with the severe economic hardships citizens endured a year ago, when many could not afford basic necessities, even during the Christmas season.
He emphasized that the government of President John Dramani Mahama requires a competent and vibrant opposition, not a collapsing party suffocated by a history of corruption. He stressed that a strong and critical opposition is essential for democratic development, national progress, and good governance.
Touching on the successes of the NDC government, Amadu Bukari Sorogho urged Ghanaians to be more considerate in reducing prices of food items such as maize, yam, and other consumables, especially in light of the improved agricultural harvests compared to the era of exorbitant prices in previous years.
He further advised the government to expand its agricultural policies by discouraging the importation of raw materials in their unprocessed form. According to him, adding value to primary agricultural goods would help increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the economy.
On the issue involving Ken Ofori-Atta, Sorogho reiterated that his alleged misconduct regarding immigration matters dates back to the controversial “Agyapa” deal, which he described as an attempt to take over key sectors of the economy to facilitate large-scale looting. He argued that Ken Ofori-Atta should stop employing legal tactics to delay justice while remaining in the United States and instead return to Ghana to face the charges leveled against him following his eight-year tenure as Finance Minister.