Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has identified key challenges that the newly elected national executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must address to reorganise the party after its 2024 general election defeat. In an interview on the Joy FM Super Morning Show on Monday, October 5, Professor Oquaye highlighted the need for the new leadership to focus on uniting the party's various factions. He stressed that this effort must involve developing practical programmes to respond to the concerns of young people and women.
Professor Oquaye emphasized that the NPP should focus on concrete plans rather than political rhetoric when addressing these concerns. He cited the example of a women's bank, stating that the party needs to develop serious work plans for the people of Ghana. The former Speaker of Parliament also identified "non-liberal measures" under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as another issue the new NPP leadership would need to address. He argued that individual freedom was important to economic and national development.
According to Professor Oquaye, freedom gives people the opportunity to develop ideas, innovate, and contribute to national development. He stated that countries where fundamental human rights are not respected face difficulties because citizens are forced to focus on securing their freedoms. In his view, when people are free, they can conceptualize and produce. Professor Oquaye also disclosed that the party's Council of Elders would engage the newly elected national executives to help bring together the different ideas and priorities within the party.
The NPP's 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will lead the party's efforts to address these concerns. Professor Oquaye mentioned that policy measures are being worked on in these areas under Dr Bawumia's leadership. He expressed optimism that with a united front, the NPP can move forward and regain its footing in Ghanaian politics. The party's national executives were recently elected, and John Boadu has pledged unity and reconciliation as he takes over as NPP National Chairman.
Professor Oquaye's comments come as the NPP seeks to implement recommendations from its 2024 election review. The party is working towards a one-member-one-vote system, and there are calls for the party to make loyalty to the NPP a permanent culture, not just an election-season tactic. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated the new NPP executives, urging them to prioritize national interest above party interests.
The NPP's Council of Elders will play a crucial role in helping the newly elected national executives to unite the party and address the concerns of various groups. Professor Oquaye stressed that the party must work together, with all members singing from the same hymn book, to tackle the challenges ahead. He expressed confidence that with a united front, the NPP can overcome its current challenges and move forward.
In conclusion, Professor Mike Oquaye has emphasized the need for the NPP to unite its various factions and address the concerns of young people and women. He has highlighted the importance of individual freedom and the need for the party to develop practical programmes to respond to the concerns of various groups. The NPP's newly elected national executives will need to address these challenges as they seek to reorganise the party and regain its footing in Ghanaian politics.
Key points
- The NPP must focus on uniting its various factions and addressing the concerns of young people and women to regain its footing in Ghanaian politics.
