Senior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), under the banner of the party’s Council of Patrons, have called on the rank and file of the party to remain united and dedicated to preserving the NPP. They stressed that the NPP is a political tradition built on decades of sacrifice, resilience, and democratic conviction.
The Council, made up of foundation members and long-serving stalwarts of the NPP, reminded the young party members and Ghanaians that the party’s history is deeply intertwined with Ghana’s democratic evolution. They made the call during a National Council of Elders’ mentorship programme held for the party’s youth patriots at the NPP headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.
Keeping NPP strong
A Foundation Member and renowned economist, Kwame Pianim, told the young people that many individuals endured political persecution, social rejection, and economic hardship to establish and defend the party’s ideals during some of the country’s most turbulent political periods.
“People suffered for the NPP to stand. They risked everything; some lost their livelihoods, others their freedom — to ensure that the ideals of freedom, justice, and property-owning democracy would endure in Ghana,” Mr Pianim stated.
He stressed that the NPP must not become a vehicle for personal ambition or opportunism, but must remain anchored in its founding principles. He further argued that Ghana needs patriots “born and bred in democracy” — citizens who appreciate the value of political pluralism and are committed to democratic development, not just electoral victory.
“The NPP is not just another political organisation. It is the custodian of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition — a tradition that upholds rule of law, human rights, economic empowerment, and national unity,” he noted.
Ideological foundation
Mr Pianim further reaffirmed the party’s ideological foundation, indicating that while democracy may not be perfect, it remains the best option for Ghana’s political development.
“Democracy is not a perfect system,” he remarked, echoing Winston Churchill’s famous words. “It is terrible, but there is nothing better. We have chosen democracy, and we must consolidate our gains no matter the challenges,” he said.
Disbelief in democracy
Mr Pianim lamented what he described as growing apathy towards democratic governance in Ghana, pointing out that nearly 60 to 70 percent of Ghanaians no longer believe in democracy. This, he warned, poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic future and the values on which the NPP was founded.
“I’ve decided not to dwell on how the party performs in elections. What matters most is staying true to the ideals that inspired the formation of this great party; the ideals of freedom, development, and the rights of individuals to own property and determine their destinies,” he stated.
He noted that the NPP’s roots lied in the struggle for participatory governance and property-owning democracy, values that the party’s founding fathers, including Victor Owusu and Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, held dear. Recalling the formation of the United Party (UP) tradition, he traced its genesis to the refusal by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to recognise the Northern People’s Party (NPP) and other regional political forces in the early post-independence era.
“The UP tradition was born out of the need to unify diverse political voices that were being sidelined. That tradition is what became the NPP, and it is rooted in Ghanaian nationalism, respect for family ownership of land, and the belief that freedom must go hand in hand with development,” he shared.
Mr Pianim also urged current NPP members to understand and appreciate the ideological legacy of the party, cautioning against joining simply for political appointments or personal gain.
Personal journey
Reflecting on his own journey, Mr Pianim spoke about his Christian faith and how it has shaped his philosophy of governance.
“I was an atheist for over a decade during my school years. But through my search for truth and justice, I came to see the importance of faith and morality in public life. Democracy must respect the rights of every individual. We want growth and development, but not at the expense of human dignity,” he added.
He further emphasised that the survival of the party and the continuation of Ghana’s democratic progress rest in the hands of those who understand and commit to its foundational values.
“We must not let go of what others toiled for. Ghana needs patriots born and bred in democracy, not opportunists. The strength of the NPP is not just in numbers, but in the depth of conviction of its members,” he reiterated.
Democratic heritage
Taking his turn, the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Council of Elders, Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, called on the younger generation within the party to value mentorship, uphold integrity, and remain grounded in the democratic values that have guided the NPP through decades of political struggle.
He recounted both personal and collective experiences of sacrifice, resistance, and commitment that built the foundation of the NPP. He said the mentorship programme was not a coincidence, but a well-thought-out effort to pass on the principles that have sustained the party through turbulent political seasons.
“There are people who have democracy running through their veins. Some of us were put in preventive detention during the darkest moments of this nation. Others were condemned to death simply because they stood for freedom. That is where true commitment begins,” he recalled.
Sense of purpose
Mr. Owusu-Agyemang said the foundation of the party was laid by individuals who had a strong sense of purpose and moral grounding, often shaped by their upbringing, education, and international exposure. Drawing from his own experience working with the United Nations, he emphasised that integrity must always be the bedrock of public service.
“When I worked at the UN, you couldn’t be bribed in Somalia or Kenya just to look the other way. That’s the kind of discipline and training that must guide our politics here in Ghana,” he stated.
Strategic effort
He described the NPP’s mentorship programme as a strategic effort to cultivate responsible leadership, comparing it to the model used in the development of Boeing aircraft in the United States. According to him, the American aerospace company partnered with smaller manufacturers and mentored them to maintain quality. Over time, these smaller partners became vital to the Boeing brand — a process that mirrors how the NPP seeks to nurture its young talent into pillars of the party.
“That is what we seek to do: mentor you to grow, appreciate quality, and eventually take over leadership with competence and character,” he explained.
The Council of Elders Chairman encouraged young members to take full advantage of mentorship opportunities, explaining that the political journey is not about personal enrichment but about dedication, service, and building lasting institutions.
“In the UK and the US, young political aides start off by drafting speeches and researching. Over time, they develop a deep understanding of party systems, governance, and leadership. That’s how they grow into full-fledged leaders. That is what we must replicate here,” he stressed.
He reminded participants that the NPP’s strength lied in its principles, and not in the wealth of its members. He called for a new generation of party faithful who are ready to lead with humility, purpose, and patriotism. “This party is not just about money. It is about values. About vision. And about service. Let us not forget the struggles that brought us here,” he further advised.
