Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on aspirants seeking to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to put the party’s interests ahead of their personal political ambitions, emphasizing that no individual is greater than the party.
At a ceremony where NPP flagbearer aspirants signed a peace pact before the January 31, 2026 presidential primaries, the former President stressed that the agreement represents a significant undertaking rather than just another political formality.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
He characterized it as “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.”
The former President warned that how aspirants behave during the primaries and afterwards will have enduring implications for both the party and Ghana. “Your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” he said, noting that party members, grassroots supporters, and young people are watching closely.
He stressed that internal party competition should not undermine the NPP’s overall strength. “Let me be clear. The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he said.
He continued: “No ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” referring to the party’s symbol, and cautioned that leadership races should not create divisions within the party.
The former President identified unity as crucial for winning elections. “Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he said, calling on aspirants to uphold the peace pact through their actions, not just their signatures.
He appealed to candidates to run their campaigns with dignity and mutual respect as the primaries approach. “Let your campaigns be firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” he urged, stating that the NPP’s values reject “fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.”
Nana Akufo-Addo also warned against placing allegiance to individuals above commitment to the party. “Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, stressing that following the primaries, “there must be one party, one direction, one destiny.”
He voiced optimism about the party’s prospects, saying he believes the NPP remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future.” He stated that party members have a duty to maintain the NPP as “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.