NewzThe People’s National Convention (PNC) has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against amending its constitution to make its presidential candidate the automatic leader of the party when it is in opposition. The PNC said such an arrangement could weaken the NPP’s internal democracy and limit opportunities for new leadership to emerge. Delivering a solidarity message at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, the PNC said it was raising the concern as a friend of the party and not as an attempt to interfere in its internal affairs.
“Reports have reached us that this conference may consider amending the party’s constitution so that the flagbearer becomes the leader of the party even when the party is in opposition.” The PNC urged NPP delegates to carefully consider the proposal, arguing that the roles of a presidential candidate and a party leader are fundamentally different. “A flagbearer carries the party’s banner in election, a party leader must build structures, reconcile factions, and hold the party accountable between elections.” It warned that concentrating both responsibilities in one person could have implications for the party’s internal structures. “Concentrating both roles in one person risks weakening internal democracy and the space for new leadership to emerge.” The PNC stressed that its position was being offered in the spirit of political fraternity.
“We say this in the spirit of fraternity, not in interference.” The proposed amendment is among the constitutional changes being considered by NPP delegates at the conference. The party’s Constitutional Amendment Committee has confirmed that delegates will have the final say on the proposals, including the proposal concerning who should be recognised as the party’s leader. Beyond the constitutional issue, the PNC also called for greater responsibility in Ghana’s political discourse, urging political parties to discourage insults, provocative commentary and language it said could divide the country.
Political parties must lead in ending this.” The party called on the NPP, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political parties to take steps to address what it described as growing moral decadence in political discourse. It also urged the NPP to elect competent and effective leaders capable of managing t… The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remain focused and united, cautioning them against individuals it says could distract the party from its political objectives.
The party encouraged NPP members, including those who may be dissatisfied with developments within the party, not to allow internal disagreements to undermine the party’s unity. “Ghanaians are telling NPP that this is not the time to be listening to some baleful people that was within your political party that enjoyed positions.” The LPG further cautioned NPP members against individuals it said could seek to distract the party during the period of internal reorganisation. “Don’t pay attention to those who are going to distract you because Ghanaians are already disappointed.” The party also claimed that many Ghanaians were dissatisfied with the current state of affairs and said there was public interest in the return of NPP flagbearer and former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
flagbearer, the former vice president, Ghanaians say they miss you and they want you, yourself, and your leadership.” The LPG said its message was not intended merely as praise for the NPP’s flagbearer but as what it described as an observation of the political mood in the country. “I’m not here just to sing praises, but I’m just trying to be factual.” The party also used its solidarity message to emphasise the importance of democratic processes and political tolerance. “Let us encourage democracy because what we are experiencing now as government is saying something else.
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