Prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Gabby Otchere-Darko, has affirmed the party’s commitment to wholeheartedly support the victor of the upcoming presidential primaries scheduled for November 4.
These elections are part of the party’s preparations for the 2024 general elections.
The contenders for the NPP’s presidential ticket include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, Former Member of Parliament for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh, and former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
In his statement, Mr. Otchere-Darko expressed the belief that the new leadership, upon ascending to power, would not only uphold the party’s tradition and principles but also draw valuable lessons from past experiences.
This learning process, he noted, would be essential for making the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition even stronger and more effective in fulfilling its core mandate of leading and serving responsibly in the development of Ghana.
He emphasized that the party’s ultimate mission is to establish a prosperous society that offers opportunities and dignity to every child born in the nation, regardless of their background.
Gabby Otchere-Darko assured party members and supporters that the NPP, as it has done historically, will coalesce around the newly elected leader once the party makes its choice.
The statement concluded with a prayer for unity and the realization of the party’s goals.
Below is his full statement
“An environment that is not safe to disagree in is not an environment focused on growth – it’s an environment focused on control.” – Varun Singhal
This is why we love and admire the New Patriotic Party. The quote above represents the NPP. So, if you are a member or sympathiser, don’t be disillusioned by some of the unfettered expressions of harsh views, however critical, jaundiced or ungrateful they may sound.
In spite of all the challenges it is facing, the NPP must stay true to its motto: “Development in Freedom.”
The NPP, if its critics may admit, has persevered to develop our nation even under the most challenging of economic situations of recent years. With the harsh cost of living crisis, the anger and resentment of the people are understandable. But, the efforts being made to keep public services going and funding development projects should also not be lost on us.
The NPP tolerates and even encourages dissent, including ones most caustic and undeserving. Some of those who were only yesterday, major beneficiaries of the party’s electoral fortunes and were tasked with the leadership responsibilities of helping the President deliver on his mandate, can be heard today leading to a crescendo what sounds like a chorus of doom.
This may give the impression of disunity. But, no. It is what it is. It is what the NPP has always been, especially in periods of transition. Today, it is heightened and amplified by the speed and distance at which sensational news flies. Free expression is, indeed, the blood that flows through the veins of the Elephant.
In fact, when the party was being formed over three decades ago, the other symbol or motto they considered at the time and nearly settled on was “Ti Koro Nko Agyina”, meaning a constructive meeting of minds calls for heads of varying perspectives.
It is who we are. The NPP is a party of activists and not spectators. It is a family of active and not passive voices.
As some of us fade naturally off the scene in this exciting transition and a new set takes over, we know for sure that this new crop of leadership will not only continue with the tradition and its principles, but will, even more importantly, take positive, instructive lessons from the negative experiences of recent years, the commissions, as well as, the omissions, and use all that to make the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition even stronger and better in fulfilling the party’s core mandate: which is to lead and serve responsibly in developing Ghana with enterprise and in freedom, with compassion and an even greater sense of urgency.
Ours is to be the lead enablers in the national mission of establishing a prosperous society of opportunities and dignity for every child born of this land, regardless of his or her background. Let us never forget that.
Finally, November 4 is just around the corner. The NPP that we know, once the party speaks and a new leader, with his new direction, is chosen, the Party will rally around him and support him and the cause of the collective. To this and all, we continue to pray…