Accra: Mr Kwasi Annan Frimpong, an elder and pioneer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed concern over the gradual deviation of the NPP from the ideologies and philosophies upon which the party was founded. He emphasized the need for the party to reconsider its foundational ideals and ‘turn back quickly and build on their roots’.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Annan, who is also an academician, insisted that the NPP remained a property-owning democracy. He clarified that this concept was not about acquiring properties indiscriminately, but rather about supporting members to own property. Mr Annan stated that the party’s founders believed that property ownership would ensure members’ loyalty and responsibility in supporting party activities.
Speaking on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the death of the late Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, Ghana’s Prime Minister during the Second Republic, Mr Annan described himself as a pioneer who played an active role in the formation of the NPP in the then Brong-Ahafo Region. He lamented that the NPP was originally founded on the principles of love and volunteerism, traits that he feels are less evident among current party members.
Dr Busia, a native of Wenchi in the Bono Region, was a political leader and academician who served as Prime Minister from 1969 to 1972 until his government was overthrown in a military coup. Before his tenure, Dr Busia played a crucial role in restoring civilian government following military rule in Ghana.
Mr Annan expressed concern that the NPP has neglected many pioneers and leading members who hold the party’s historical memories, attributing this neglect to some of the party’s current political challenges. He urged the NPP to reflect on and build upon the ideals and visions of Dr Busia and the party’s founding fathers to instill a sense of loyalty among contemporary politicians.