Internal attacks could harm NPP candidates – Sylvester Tetteh

Former Bortianor, Ngleshie, and Amanfro Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvester Tetteh has cautioned supporters of New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopefuls against attacking rivals, warning such actions could ultimately backfire.

Addressing internal party dynamics on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on December 16, Tetteh said political contests can either elevate or derail careers depending on how party members conduct themselves.

“I have maintained a particular stance that internal contests can make or unmake you. You can become a hero or a villain because of just one statement,” he told host Moro Awudu.

His remarks come amid a series of public criticisms by former Gender Minister and Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo against NPP aspirant Kennedy Agyapong. Safo, who now supports former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, accused Agyapong of harboring disdain for women and cited personal incidents of verbal abuse and public humiliation.

Her intervention has added tension within the party as it prepares for the January 2026 flagbearer election.

Tetteh, a former Deputy Information Minister under the Akufo-Addo administration, emphasized that personal attacks are counterproductive and do not strengthen the candidate one supports.

“You will not do your candidate any good if you attack his opponent. Many young men and women have gone down this road in previous elections,” he said.

He urged party supporters to consider the long-term impact of their words, noting that rivals today may still play key roles once a flagbearer emerges.

“If your preferred candidate wins, ask yourself this: between you, who insulted another candidate, and the person you attacked, which of you will your candidate need most to prosecute his agenda?” Tetteh explained.

Highlighting the importance of unity, he added, “Internal rivalries should not blind supporters to the reality that cohesion will be crucial once the party settles on a flagbearer. Insulting a candidate today may make you less useful to the party tomorrow.”

The former lawmaker is seeking to advocate a broader call for restraint and strategic thinking among NPP members as the party navigates a heated internal contest.