Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cautioned aspirants contesting the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race against allowing personal ambition to undermine the unity and future of the party.
Speaking at the signing of a peace pact by flagbearer aspirants ahead of the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, the former President described the pact as a solemn and binding commitment rather than a routine political ritual.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” he said, explaining that it represents a collective promise that ambition will not override fraternity, competition will not descend into hostility, and that the party will unite once the ballot has spoken.
Akufo-Addo stressed that the behaviour of aspirants during and after the primaries would have long-term implications for the party and the nation, noting that party supporters, grassroots members, and the youth are closely watching their actions.
“Your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” he said.
The former President emphasized that internal contests must not weaken the party’s collective strength, declaring that “the NPP is bigger than any individual.” He warned that no ambition, grievance, or faction should be allowed to divide the party, insisting that unity remains critical to electoral success.
“Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he stated.
He further urged aspirants to conduct their campaigns with decency and mutual respect, reminding them that the NPP’s political tradition rejects fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.
Akufo-Addo also cautioned party members against prioritizing loyalty to individuals over loyalty to the party, stressing that after the primaries, the NPP must move forward with “one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Expressing confidence in the party’s future, he said the NPP remains the best platform for advancing Ghana’s development and called on members to keep the party united, disciplined, and deserving of the trust of Ghanaians.
“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 added.
