Opposition is painful, good friends ignore calls – Afenyo-Markin

Opposition takes an emotional toll on politicians, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said, as the New Patriotic Party moves to ensure a peaceful presidential primary.

Addressing party executives, aspirants, and stakeholders at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ahead of the 2026 NPP presidential primaries, Mr Afenyo-Markin described life in opposition as isolating and difficult, stressing that the party’s ultimate goal remains returning to power to serve the country.

“Opposition is painful. Good friends don’t pick up calls, they ignore us and find new friends,” the Minority Leader said. “None of us wants to remain there. We want power to serve, transform lives, and move Ghana forward.”

His remarks formed part of efforts to impress upon party members the need for unity, discipline, and restraint as the contest for the party’s flagbearership intensifies ahead of the January 31, 2026 primaries.

Five aspirants seeking to lead the New Patriotic Party signed the peace pact, committing themselves to a civil campaign and to accept the outcome of the nationwide polls, irrespective of the results.

They are former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; businessman and former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong; Abetifi MP, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Education Minister and Bosomtwe MP, Dr Yaw Adutwum; and former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong.

The ceremony took place at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo seated at the high table as an observer. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was unable to attend.

The event was briefly disrupted by a tense moment when Kennedy Agyapong initially declined to append his signature to the agreement, triggering murmurs among the audience and visible unease within the hall. Senior party figures were seen engaging him quietly before he eventually signed the document, drawing applause and a sense of relief from party officials.

Party leaders said the agreement was designed to prevent post-primary rancour and safeguard internal cohesion as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general elections.

Also addressing the gathering, Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, called on delegates and supporters to act responsibly throughout the process.

With the January 31, 2026 primaries approaching, party officials insist the peace pact signals a collective resolve to place unity above individual ambition and keep the NPP focused on regaining political power.