At the rebirth of Ghana’s democratic ruling in 1992, after decades of intermittent insurgencies, the New Patriotic Party, NPP, an emerging force to reckon with, carved a tradition. Like all other civilisations and syndicates, the NPP tradition, kept over a thirty-year span, has defined its unique identity, and from it have emerged its success stories as a political party.
The loyalty of party adherents and enthusiasts to the NPP tradition is not enough to tell its history to tomorrow’s generation, but to preserve it, whatever the cost, for tomorrow’s success. Upholding the party’s tradition must be considered mandatory for anyone who by fate and by the decision of delegates becomes a leader.
Great leaders in history made their fame, having fortified the sound traditions they inherited. They encrust great foundations for successions, and their memories do neither wane nor fade in history.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, emphasised the need to keep our political tradition when he was elected flagbearer of the NPP on December 22, 2007, after a fierce contest between him and Mr Alan Kyerematen, on the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon. Nana Addo, the newly elected and third flagbearer of our party, after the late Professor Adu Boahen and President Kuffour, in his acceptance speech, emphasised that he came after President Kuffour, and Alan would follow him. This could be a clairvoyant prediction by the then candidate Akufo-Addo, and it must see its fulfilment. His heir apparent was named, pending his (the heir apparent’s) democratic acceptance by the delegates of the party.
Altruistic leaders enforce the systems from which they have benefited. It would, therefore, signal catastrophe for the NPP if President Akufo-Addo reneges on his promise to keep to the party’s tradition of succession. One of his monumental achievements within the party would be tied to his insistence on the tradition of the NPP rewarding deserving long-serving members with flagbearership, the tradition of which he has been a beneficiary. “Alan, you follow me,” must determine the new path to be chartered by the NPP into the next general elections of the country.
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Dr. Joseph Kwadwo Danquah
Assistant Professor of Human Capital Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Bradford University, United Kingdom
