NPP needs a chairman like Asiedu Nketia to restore discipline – Joe Wise

The New Patriotic Party needs firm, uncompromising leadership similar to that of NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia to restore internal discipline, Joseph Osei Wusu has said.

The Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, popularly known as Joe Wise, made the remarks during a discussion on Asempa FM on Friday while examining the party’s waning appeal among young people.

Drawing comparisons with the governing National Democratic Congress, Mr Osei Wusu praised the leadership style of Johnson Asiedu Nketia, describing him as consistent and decisive in enforcing party discipline.

“From what I personally see, it’s Asiedu Nketia,” he said. “He is very firm on party matters. He doesn’t have to say it, but you can see the consistency.”

According to him, the NDC chairman makes the party’s direction clear and ensures compliance. “He says, ‘We are going this way; if you don’t toe the line, we will deal with you,’” Mr Osei Wusu stated.

Asked whether the NPP needed a chairman with similar traits, he responded in the affirmative, stressing that discipline and clarity of direction were critical for rebuilding party structures and loyalty.

Mr Osei Wusu also expressed concern about growing defections from the NPP to the NDC, particularly among the youth. He attributed this trend partly to weak internal control and dissatisfaction at the grassroots.

“There are a lot of young people who used to be in the NPP in my constituency,” he said. “I started party work very early. I became Electoral Area Coordinator, then Constituency Chairman, so I have worked with about half our people.”

He added that the situation had worsened over time. “At a certain point, they started defecting to the NDC. It’s becoming high,” he noted.

Beyond leadership style, Mr Osei Wusu criticised the current internal electoral system of the party, arguing that it had shifted focus away from competence. He said the NPP’s own manifesto allows members to “select” a flag bearer, not necessarily through elections.

The elections, he said, have given room for people to select popular candidates over competent ones, warning that popularity-driven politics could undermine effective governance.

He also bemoaned the monetisation of politics, describing it as a worrying development that disadvantages capable candidates without financial muscle.

In proposing a solution, Mr Osei Wusu endorsed Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, a contender for the NPP national chairmanship, saying the party needed a firm hand.

He will be firm enough to get a hold of matters, he said, adding that decisive leadership was essential if the NPP hoped to regain lost ground among young voters and restore internal order.