Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has called upon religious organizations, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to unite and collaborate in order to field a presidential candidate capable of breaking the long-standing duopoly in the political arena.
Since the establishment of the 4th Republic, the political landscape in Ghana has been predominantly dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both parties have enjoyed the opportunity to govern for two consecutive terms each, totaling 8 years, with no other political party coming close to disrupting this pattern.
As the 2024 elections approach, the ruling NPP is committed to shattering this cycle and extending their rule to 12 years. Conversely, the NDC remains steadfast in its determination to regain power.
For many Ghanaians, this repetitive cycle has not proven beneficial for the country, as the economy has not developed as anticipated under the stewardship of these two parties.
In light of this, individuals like Martin Kpebu advocate for the emergence of a robust third political force that can effectively challenge the dominance of the two major parties and provide a credible alternative for the electorate.
Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has called upon religious organizations, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to unite and collaborate in order to field a presidential candidate capable of breaking the long-standing duopoly in the political arena.
Since the establishment of the 4th Republic, the political landscape in Ghana has been predominantly dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both parties have enjoyed the opportunity to govern for two consecutive terms each, totaling 8 years, with no other political party coming close to disrupting this pattern.
As the 2024 elections approach, the ruling NPP is committed to shattering this cycle and extending their rule to 12 years. Conversely, the NDC remains steadfast in its determination to regain power.
For many Ghanaians, this repetitive cycle has not proven beneficial for the country, as the economy has not developed as anticipated under the stewardship of these two parties.
Engaging in a discussion on TV3’s The Key Point, the lawyer entreated churches, CSOs and TUC to make up the third force.
“The NPP and NDC, they are getting swollen headed. It is as if they know that come what may in eight years they will return. I wish they do four, four. I am waiting for the churches, the CSOs and TUC to come up with a candidate. Because we are looking for anything other than NPP and NDC. Anything other thing will do,” he said.
Stressing the potential of the TUC, he called on the Congress to learn from their mistakes when they failed to establish an effective party in the 1970s.
“TUC has to rise up. In the 70s, TUC formed a party and it collapsed. It doesn’t mean they cannot try again.
In the UK, it works. The Labour Party. Is it not the Labour people that formed the basis. Let’s go into our history. If TUC tried in the 70s and it didn’t work, does that mean that they should forever stop? You try again. In life, when you fall, do you continue lying down, don’t you get up?” he said.
For some individuals, former Trade Minister, Kwadwo Alan Kyeremanten, who has parted ways from the NPP to go independent is likely the third force Ghanaians have been praying for.
But according to Mr Kpebu, any things who is deeply embedded with the two major parties cannot be the third force needed to reckon with the NPP or NDC.
“So it is good that Alan has come for a third party though I don’t support Alan. No, no. He is too much of NPP. He would come and repeat the same things because the thing is that for all these years why was he quiet. He was Akufo-Addo, he kept quiet. I expected that from where he sits, when he saw that the ship was sinking, he couldn’t even leave early. He sat there so he was part of the problems. Alan doesn’t appeal to me, to be very honest. There is no way I can give him my vote.”
“There is no way I will go for someone deeply embedded with NPP or NDC,” he added.