Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has cautioned flagbearer aspirants in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to place personal ambition above the party’s unity and future, saying the party is bigger than any individual.
Speaking at the peace pact signing ceremony for NPP flagbearer aspirants ahead of the January 31, 2026, presidential primaries, the former President described the pact as a serious commitment, not a routine political activity.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
He explained that it represents “a solemn covenant, a commitment that ambition will not override fraternity, that competition will not descend into hostility, and that once the ballot has spoken, the party will move forward as one.”
Good Conduct
He reminded the aspirants that their conduct during and after the primaries would have lasting consequences for the party and the country. According to him, “your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” adding that party supporters, the grassroots, and the youth are closely observing their actions.
The former President said that internal contests must never weaken the party’s collective strength. “Let me be clear. The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he said.
He added that “no ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” the party’s symbol, warning that leadership contests should not be allowed to divide the party.
Nana Akufo-Addo said that unity is essential for electoral success. “Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he said, urging aspirants to ensure that the peace pact is not only signed but truly respected in their actions.
He further called on candidates to conduct their campaigns with decency and respect in the days leading up to the primaries. “Let your campaigns be firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” he urged, saying that the NPP’s tradition rejects “fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.”
Loyalty to Party
The former President also cautioned against putting loyalty to individuals ahead of loyalty to the party. “Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, adding that after the primaries, “there must be one party, one direction, one destiny.”
He expressed confidence in the party’s future, saying he believes the NPP remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future.” He said that the responsibility of members is to keep the party “united, disciplined, and worthy of the trust of the Ghanaian people.”
“If we honour our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP and of Ghana herself will indeed be bright,” he said.
Minority Leader
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his address at the signing ceremony, urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rebuild itself as a united and disciplined political force, warning that Ghana does not need a divided and weakened party.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the country expects the party to return stronger, not broken by internal disputes.
“Ghana needs this party back, not as a wounded, quarrelling organisation, but as a renewed, united, serious alternative,” he said.
He added that leadership must be rooted in service rather than personal ambition. “The country does not need leaders who are prisoners of their egos. It needs leaders who are servants of the Republic.”
The Minority Leader said that the peace pact must go beyond symbolism and reflect real changes in behaviour before and after the primaries. “If this peace pact is to have meaning, it must translate into clear commitments,” he said.
Former Speaker
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, on his part, charged all presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to conduct themselves honourably in the upcoming flagbearer contest to preserve the party’s traditions and honour its founding fathers.
Professor Oquaye emphasised the need for fairness, unity, and respect for the party’s values throughout the electoral process.
“Please do something honourable for the New Patriotic Party and our tradition,” he said.
He added that signing the peace pact is necessary, as past experiences of unfair practices, partiality, and extreme partisanship within the party had negatively affected unity.
“In saying this, I am mindful that unfair practices, partiality, and base partisanship happened in our party, which have destroyed or shaken our unity”, he added.
