Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged flagbearer aspirants in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritize the party’s unity over personal ambitions, emphasizing that the NPP is greater than any individual.
Addressing the aspirants at a peace pact signing ceremony ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, Akufo-Addo described the pact as a serious commitment rather than a mere formality.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” he stated.
He further explained that it symbolizes “a solemn covenant, a commitment that ambition will not override fraternity, that competition will not descend into hostility, and that once the ballot has spoken, the party will move forward as one.”
The former President highlighted the long-term implications of the aspirants’ behavior, noting that “your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country.” He added that party supporters, grassroots members, and the youth are closely watching their actions.
Akufo-Addo stressed that internal contests should not undermine the party’s strength. “Let me be clear. The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he declared.
He continued, “No ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” referring to the party’s symbol, and warned against allowing leadership contests to cause divisions.
Emphasizing the importance of unity for success, he said, “Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory.”
He called on the aspirants to honor the peace pact not just in signature but in their conduct.
Ahead of the primaries, Akufo-Addo advised the candidates to run campaigns that are “firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” upholding the NPP’s tradition by rejecting “fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.”
He also cautioned against prioritizing loyalty to individuals over the party. “Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, insisting that post-primaries, there must be “one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Expressing optimism about the NPP’s role in Ghana’s development, Akufo-Addo described the party as “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future.”
He urged members to maintain unity, discipline, and trustworthiness.
“If we honour our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP and of Ghana herself will indeed be bright,” he concluded.