Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has delivered a strong message to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging it to respect the sovereignty of Ghanaians and elect leaders capable of restoring public confidence as the opposition party rebuilds for the 2028 general election.
In a recorded message played at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Mr Kufuor said the party’s democratic credentials must be anchored in the recognition that political power ultimately belongs to the people.
He urged delegates to look beyond rhetoric and carefully assess the leadership qualities of candidates seeking national executive positions.
According to the former President, the NPP needs leaders capable of rebuilding its relationship with Ghanaians and restoring confidence in the party following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
He stressed that the party’s internal reorganisation must reflect its democratic tradition and respect for the will of the people.
“The confidence of the people of Ghana. And let us show true respect to the idea and the vision that true sovereignty is for the people generally,” Mr Kufuor said.
“When we do that, then our definition of democracy will conform with the idea,” he added.
Mr Kufuor also emphasised the need for unity within the NPP, saying the party must remain committed to democratic principles as it selects a new crop of national executives.
He urged delegates to choose leaders based on their capacity to provide effective leadership rather than merely their ability to make impressive political speeches.
The former President said the ultimate objective should be to build a leadership team capable of restoring the confidence of Ghanaians in the NPP.
He also argued that Ghana needed political leadership capable of driving prosperity and national transformation.
Mr Kufuor wished delegates success in their deliberations and urged members to take seriously the responsibility of shaping the party’s future.
“I wish you well and I wish you success in this conference. May God bless NPP and all of you,” he said.
Akufo-Addo Calls for Unity
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a separate recorded message, also rallied the NPP around unity and rebuilding ahead of the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
He described the conference as an important stage in the party’s reorganisation and said the national officers elected would have a critical responsibility in preparing the party for its next electoral contest.
“This gathering represents an important step in our party’s reorganisation as we elect new national officers,” Mr Akufo-Addo said.
He said the incoming executives would be expected to work with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and parliamentary candidates as the NPP seeks to return to government.
Mr Akufo-Addo urged delegates to put aside sectional interests and elect leaders capable of rebuilding the party from the grassroots to the national level.
“I am confident that guided by the theme, ‘One Party, One Purpose, United for Victory’, the delegates will rise above sectional interests and elect leadership capable of uniting our ranks and rebuilding our fortunes at every level,” he said.
The former President acknowledged that rebuilding the NPP would require significant commitment, sacrifice and loyalty from its members.
“It will be an arduous task, which will demand of us all our energy, time, determination and loyalty,” he said.
Mr Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that the party could return to government in 2028, drawing parallels with the NPP’s electoral victories in 2000 and 2016.
He said the party would seek to form a government under Dr Bawumia that would uphold the rule of law and pursue the welfare of Ghanaians in line with the NPP’s “Development in Freedom” philosophy.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the NPP and wishing delegates a successful conference.
More than 7,000 delegates gathered in Kumasi for the conference to elect national officers who will steer the party for the next four years as part of its reorganisation ahead of the 2028 elections.
