As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries, former Abuakwa South MP and ex-Minister for Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, has urged party delegates to approach their decision with caution and foresight.
Appearing on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, January 9, Atta Akyea warned that the party’s choice of a flagbearer should not be driven by sentiment or ethnic considerations, but by leadership ability and experience. He stressed that the stakes are too high for delegates to make experimental decisions that could affect the country’s future.
According to him, the NPP’s own history offers a clear lesson. He pointed out that the party has previously shown faith in candidates with proven credentials, noting how former President John Agyekum Kufuor was given another opportunity based on his performance and potential. He also referenced President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who led the party through three electoral contests before eventually winning power.
Atta Akyea argued that consistency in leadership selection has helped the party remain united in the past and should continue to guide decision-making in the current race. He cautioned that abandoning this approach would amount to “playing lottery with the future” of the nation.
He further called on party members to reject any form of tribal politics, describing it as a divisive tactic that undermines national cohesion. Leadership, he insisted, must be earned on merit rather than ethnic identity.
The former minister expressed confidence that NPP delegates would rise above such divisions and allow capable individuals the opportunity to lead Ghana effectively.
The NPP flagbearer primary is set for January 31, a contest that is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of the next general election.
