By Bright Philip Donkor
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Osahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, says former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo demonstrated bold, decisive, and heroic leadership during one of the most turbulent periods in Ghana’s history.
Speaking at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Delegates Conference at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium over the weekend, Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the Akufo-Addo era as a time when Ghana was tested by a confluence of global and domestic crisis, yet managed to stay afloat through steady and visionary governance.
He said the Akufo-Addo administration successfully navigated a combination of unprecedented global and domestic crisis that would have crippled many nations.
“No government in the Fourth Republic has governed through such a perfect storm. It is a fact that, there were the compounded challenges of an inherited banking crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic shocks from the Russia-Ukraine war, and a hung Parliament. And yet, President Akufo-Addo held the line. He led with steadiness, courage, and foresight. We stabilised the financial sector, secured historic gold reserves, built robust infrastructure, and transformed education through Free SHS,” he stressed.
Shield
According to the Minority Leader, the former President’s leadership shielded Ghana from economic collapse and social instability, even as the world reeled from shutdowns, inflationary shocks, and supply chain disruptions. He noted that former President Akufo-Addo’s ability to maintain governance amidst a hostile legislative environment, where the opposition controlled the Speakership, was a remarkable political feat that should never be downplayed.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted several key interventions made under Akufo-Addo’s leadership: stabilizing the financial system through painful but necessary banking sector reforms, restoring GDP growth in the post-COVID period, expanding national infrastructure, and laying the foundation for economic diversification through industrialization and digitalization.
“We should not shy away from the truth. This party led Ghana through crisis and came out with results the current administration is now relying on to stay afloat,” he indicated.
Credit
He credited former President Akufo-Addo’s leadership for maintaining national cohesion, and achieving substantial growth despite adversity.
Turning to the NPP, he urged party faithful to embrace a four-pronged strategy: unity, values, grassroots mobilization, and image rebranding.
“The NPP is bigger than any individual. Ambition must never override loyalty to the party. Hate campaigns and sabotage must end. We need unity over ego, purpose over pride,” he urged.
He cautioned against internal wrangling and factionalism, calling on all members to work towards a collective goal: recapturing power in 2028 and restoring confidence in Ghana’s future.
Akufo-Addo’s message
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urged members of the NPP to remain united, embrace meaningful reforms, and empower the youth as the NPP seeks to regroup after its 2024 electoral loss.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by former Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, he expressed gratitude for the support he received during his presidency, and called for renewed commitment to the ideals of the NPP.
“It was a great privilege to serve in that capacity on the ticket of our ever capable New Patriotic Party. We have, through it all, demonstrated the resilience of our rank and file against challenges and shown without doubt, as our records have proven, that it is always only under the New Patriotic government that Ghana thrives,” he said.
Nana Akufo-Addo acknowledged the current mood of uncertainty and disappointment within the party following its exit from power, but insisted that NPP must see the present moment as an opportunity for rebirth and growth.
“Whilst our present situation has been necessitated by circumstances we cannot ignore, I am optimistic that through dialogue, mutual understanding, strong commitment to our principles and values, we can rebuild the bridges and restore the unity that has always been our strength,” the former President said.
He stressed the importance of inclusive leadership and reconciliation. He said the party must “find ways to reconcile differences and ensure that every member has a place at the table and is up and ready to be counted.” Nana Akufo-Addo called on the party to invest in and harness the energy of its younger members.
“They are no more the future. They are the present. Their energy, innovation and resilience must be the driving forces behind our progress on this rebuilding journey,” he said, adding that initiatives such as the recently inaugurated Patriotic Institute must be leveraged to equip young people with knowledge and skills.
Introspection
The former President also called for critical introspection and reform of outdated party structures that, in his view, no longer reflect the realities of Ghana’s political landscape. “Our efforts must be all inclusive. That is why structures or laws grounded in a bygone era, which notably do not reflect the realities and aspirations of our contemporary existence, must be opened up and critically examined to allow for proper reforms,” he said.
While reaffirming his belief in the party’s founding principles, he reminded delegates of their duty to restore public confidence. “We must continue to stand firm and united behind the eternally forthright ideals and principles of the Dankwa-Dombo-Busia political tradition, which has proven the most suited political tradition on our Ghanaian market. Our conduct throughout this period will either reinforce the confidence of the Ghanaian people in the NPP or draw them away from us,” he stated.
He further told the delegates: “Let us make room for belief to replace doubt… For it was out of nothing that our illustrious forebears found purpose in a melting pot of seemingly small forms to bear what has over the years transformed into the formidable political ticket we have in the NPP.”
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