Professor of Political Science and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has welcomed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to require its presidential aspirants to sign a peace pact but has raised concerns about the historical role of party elders in maintaining discipline and safeguarding the party’s core values.
The NPP on Thursday, January 22, had its presidential hopefuls sign a peace pact aimed at ensuring a peaceful internal contest ahead of the party’s flagbearer election. The move is designed to promote unity, lower internal tensions, and prevent disagreements from escalating into public disputes that could weaken the party.
Peace Pact Good for Party Optics – Gyampo
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 24, Prof. Gyampo described the initiative as commendable, particularly in terms of its symbolism and public perception.
He noted that the involvement of senior party figures in engaging aspirants sent a positive signal to party supporters and the general public.
“I believe that what happened and what I saw was good for the optics, seeing very seasoned, old politicians all being marshalled or being brought together to meet with aspirants and to prevail on them to sign a peace pact,” he stated.
Why the Late Intervention?
Despite praising the initiative, Prof. Gyampo questioned why such interventions by experienced party elders appeared to be coming late in the day. He wondered whether similar efforts had been made consistently in the past to curb conduct he believes deviates from the party’s long-held traditions.
“I thought it was good, but I kept wondering all these experienced politicians, have they always been around?” he asked.
According to him, the internal culture of the NPP has shifted over the years, with the behaviour of some current party actors representing a sharp departure from the standards established by the party’s founding figures.
Departure from Founding Values
Prof. Gyampo referenced key personalities such as J.B. Danquah, R.R. Amponsah (Odoi Sais), E. Akufo-Addo (Ala Adjetey), and Edward Akufo-Addo (Agyenim Boateng) as leaders who upheld discipline, restraint, and strong internal values.
“Sometimes if I see the conduct of those who are running the party now, the conduct that radically departs from how the JB Danquahs ran the party, how the Odoi Sais, the Ala Adjeteys and the Agyenim Boatengs ran the party, I keep asking myself where these elders have always been,” he said.
He argued that the silence or absence of party elders in the face of growing excesses has allowed indiscipline and what he described as “exuberant” behaviour to flourish unchecked.
Beyond Symbolism
While welcoming the peace pact as a positive development, Prof. Gyampo stressed that lasting peace within the NPP cannot be achieved through symbolic gestures alone. He called for sustained involvement by party elders and a conscious return to the leadership culture and values that defined the party in its early years.
According to him, consistent discipline, mentorship, and moral authority from senior party figures will be crucial in restoring internal order and protecting the NPP’s public image as it prepares for future elections.
