The bitter pill that heals – Kaakyire Badu writes

The NPP is deviating from a crucial pattern that has worked for the NDC. Historically, NDC vice-presidents have gone on to become presidents, but the same can’t be said for NPP vice-presidents. The NPP’s past presidents, Kufour and Akufo-Addo, weren’t Vice-Presidents before taking office.

The party’s decision to field a candidate with a vice-presidential background may not yield the same results as it has for the NDC. In fact, it could lead to a prolonged stay in opposition. Bawumia, a vice-president, may face an uphill task, and the party’s chances of winning may be slim.

Let me be clear: Bawumia may be a good person, and his abilities are not in question. However, the issue is that he’s closely tied to the party’s past government, which was marred by controversies like the Ken Ofori-Atta’s issue, bondholders issue, E-Levy, and galamsey scandals. Ghanaians may not distinguish between his role and the government’s failures. The NPP needed a fresh face, untainted by past mistakes, to win back trust.

The NPP should have considered putting aside personal biases and choose a candidate who can win. Kennedy Agyapong has grassroots support, but party leaders seem hesitant. They don’t like him and gang-up against him. The reason is clear: Kennedy Agyapong’s unwavering stance against corruption and galamsey is a threat to those who seek to exploit the system. His uncompromising attitude and willingness to hold corrupt officials accountable make him a formidable opponent, but also an uncomfortable presence for those with questionable motives.

The NPP’s reluctance to embrace Kennedy Agyapong stems from fear – fear that he will not be swayed by their machinations, fear that he will expose their wrongdoings, and fear that he will disrupt the status quo. They seem him as someone who can’t keep secret. By rejecting Kennedy Agyapong, the NPP has essentially chosen to protect the interests of a few over the party’s long-term prospects. This decision will likely lead to prolonged opposition, as the party’s chances of winning with a less formidable candidate are slim.

It is hypocritical to dismiss Kennedy Agyapong’s candidacy due to his outspoken nature, when those who’ve been insulted by him have also retaliated with insults of their own. On records; Tracy, Schwarznegar, Kwame Bafoe Abronye, and others have all exchanged words with Kennedy, yet they’re now using his words as a reason to block his candidacy. This isn’t about Kennedy’s behavior, it is about the NPP’s priorities.

Mahama’s comeback is a testament to the power of performance. Despite his first term’s controversies, his second term has been marked by notable successes, making Ghanaians nostalgic for his leadership. The NPP’s poor performance, especially during Akufo-Addo’s second term, contributed to Mahama’s resurgence. If Akufo Addo’s government had outperformed, Mahama’s comeback would have been nipped in the bud.

The NPP’s old guard is prioritizing their own interests, backing Bawumia to maintain their grip on power. This greed will ultimately harm the party, as young supporters become disillusioned of support and the party’s reputation suffers. The old executives are using their influence to secure positions and maintain their grip on power, but this will only lead to further decline.

The NPP must prioritize winning over personal interests. The party needs to move forward, not backwards, and it’s time for the old guard to make way for new leadership to do away with the 24 – 32 years of opposition gazing at them.