Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that internal divisions could undermine not just the party’s fortunes but Ghana’s democratic progress, stressing that “Ghana is counting on us.”
Speaking at the signing of a Peace Pact for the party’s presidential primaries on Thursday, January 22, Afenyo-Markin reminded party members that the cost of disunity extends beyond political loss, particularly at a time when the country expects leadership and stability from the opposition.
He noted that while political competition is inevitable, the ultimate responsibility of the party is to Ghana and its people.
“We want power to serve, to transform lives and to move Ghana forward. But power does not come through division. Power comes through discipline. Power comes through unity. Power comes through sacrifice,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
Calling on the five presidential aspirants to rise above internal rivalries, he urged restraint and long-term thinking in the lead-up to the primaries.
“Let us therefore rise above anger. Let us rise above insults. Let us rise above short-term emotions for long-term victory,” he said, adding that party cohesion after the contest would be critical.
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“And when the contest is over, let us close ranks, lock arms and march forward together, stronger, wiser and united towards victory 2028. Our future depends on it. Our party depends on it. And Ghana is counting on us.”
Afenyo-Markin further emphasized that how the NPP manages its internal elections will reflect its maturity as a political organization and its readiness to govern.
“Political competition is a necessary and healthy feature of every democracy. However, it is how that competition is managed… that defines the maturity of a political party and ultimately the stability of the nation,” he noted.
He described the decision to prioritize peace ahead of the primaries as both “timely and commendable,” stressing that peace must be deliberately protected.
“Peace does not happen by accident. It is the product of deliberate leadership, clear rules, mutual respect and a collective decision to play the long-term interests of the party and the country above short-term personal gain,” he said.
The NPP is preparing for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, following approval by the party’s National Executive Committee and National Council to allow adequate time for internal coordination ahead of the 2028 general elections.
All five aspirants — Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyepong — signed the peace pact, pledging unity, respect for the process, and support for the eventual winner.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
