Dr. Kwabena Arthur Kennedy, a founding member and former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sharply criticized the party’s leadership for allegedly placing the interests of a small group above broader democratic values.
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Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Arthur K aimed at the NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), accusing it of fast-tracking the 2028 flagbearer race at the expense of internal reforms.
“As usual, we seem to be acting in the interest of a small cabal,” he said. “This hurriedly concocted proposal appears designed to benefit a select few.”
His comments come amid internal unrest following the NPP’s loss in the 2024 general election, which has left the party reevaluating its direction as it transitions into opposition.
A Betrayal of the NPP’s Democratic Heritage
Dr. Kennedy argued that the decision to elect a flagbearer before addressing structural reforms marks a departure from the party’s founding principles. “The most democratic party in Ghana is becoming more anti-democratic,” he warned. “We keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”
He also condemned the leadership for withholding findings from the post-election review committee, alleging selective access to the report.
“We lost an election and set up a committee to find out why. Now we claim there are only a few copies of the report, yet those eyeing the flagbearer slot seem to have access.”
NEC’s Decision Sparks Party-Wide Concerns
The NEC recently announced that the party will hold its national delegates’ conference on January 31, 2026, to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general election. However, some party members believe this bypasses the traditional order of electing local and regional executives first.
Critics argue that this top-down strategy could weaken the NPP’s internal democracy and alienate its grassroots members. Dr. Kennedy echoed these concerns, saying the move could harm the party’s unity and credibility ahead of 2028.
“The leadership seems to be following one candidate around,” he added. “Then all of a sudden, we’re hit with a date for selecting a flagbearer.”
As internal debates heat up, Arthur K’s rebuke serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the NPP must overcome if it hopes to rebuild and return to power.
