Former NPP Treasurer, Madam Gifty Aryee, known as Daavi Ama, has called on the party's founding members and elders to break their silence on internal developments. She expressed concern about the growing influence of newcomers at the expense of long-standing members who helped build the NPP. Daavi Ama, a veteran NPP member and political daughter of the late Prof Albert Adu Boahen, believes this trend erodes the party's culture of merit and experience.
Daavi Ama questioned why some veteran members appeared more willing to comment on national issues outside the NPP than on challenges confronting the party itself. She invoked the Ga saying, "Onupka Bɛhyia Alo," stressing the importance of seeking the counsel of the elderly. She also cited the Akan adage, "Woni Panyin a, Due," meaning that one without an elder's guidance can lose their way.
Daavi Ama recalled the period leading to the NPP's first presidential contest in 1992 and the sacrifices made by the party's early leaders. She said the party's pioneers operated in difficult political circumstances and recalled a lecture delivered by Prof Adu Boahen at the British Council Hall. According to her, the lecture helped challenge a "culture of silence" in the country.
Daavi Ama alleged that cronyism and personal relationships had increasingly taken precedence over meritocracy in the NPP. She cited her own experience under former President John Agyekum Kufuor as an example of a less vindictive approach to party politics. She recalled that although she did not support Mr Kufuor during the NPP's presidential primaries, he appointed her to the National Media Commission after he became President.
Daavi Ama expressed concern about the diminishing presence of Voltarians in the party's leadership, citing the defeat of former NPP Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, in the party's recent leadership elections. She questioned whether the NPP had moved away from its traditional image as a party of intellectuals. According to her, people feel that because of their money, they should never be called to order.
Daavi Ama raised questions about the constitutional amendment adopted at the NPP's recent National Delegates Conference in Kumasi. The amendment makes the party's elected presidential candidate the leader of the party. She questioned the process through which the constitutional change was introduced and approved, and whether it had been sufficiently discussed at the national, regional and constituency levels.
Daavi Ama urged the Council of Elders to assert itself more strongly and play its role in guiding the party. She maintained that the NPP's history and institutional memory should not be sacrificed as the party evolves, insisting that the experience of its founding members remained relevant to its future.
Key points
- Daavi Ama urges NPP founding members to speak out on party developments.
- She expresses concern about the growing influence of newcomers in the party.
- Daavi Ama questions the NPP's recent constitutional amendment.
