We keep shooting ourselves in the foot – NPP former presidential candidate

Dr. Kwabena Arthur Kennedy, a prominent figure and former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) of sidelining its democratic values in favour of a select group.

He raised concerns that the NPP, once praised for its internal democracy, is losing that reputation.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s “The Big Issue” on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Dr. Arthur Kennedy condemned the NEC’s decision to schedule the flagbearer election before broader internal reforms, describing it as undemocratic and favouring certain individuals.

His criticism comes at a time when the NPP is recovering from its 2024 election defeat and adjusting to its new position as an opposition party.

Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a strong advocate for constitutional rule since the party’s early days in the 1990s, warned that the party’s actions are harming its image of fairness.

He also criticised the NPP’s leadership for not releasing the findings of the committee set up to analyse the reasons behind the 2024 loss, suggesting a lack of accountability.

Dr. Kennedy further claimed that some individuals with ambitions for leadership have had access to the report while the general party membership remains in the dark. He suggested the leadership is showing bias by favouring a particular candidate, and suddenly setting a date for the flagbearer election.

The NEC recently announced that the NPP’s national delegates’ conference to choose a flagbearer for the 2028 elections will be held on January 31, 2026. This decision has sparked backlash from some members, who argue that the proper democratic process requires internal elections at all levels before selecting a presidential candidate.

Critics say the decision is top-down, discouraging wide participation and undermining internal democracy.

Dr. Arthur Kennedy’s comments stand as a clear warning that such actions could cost the NPP support from its grassroots and affect its chances in the 2028 elections.