Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cautioned flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against allowing personal ambition to undermine party unity, insisting that the party’s collective future must take precedence over individual interests.
Speaking at the peace pact signing ceremony ahead of the NPP’s January 31, 2026 presidential primaries, the former President described the pact as a binding moral commitment rather than a symbolic political ritual.
“This peace pact is not a mere ceremony,” he said, explaining that it represents “a solemn covenant that ambition will not override fraternity, competition will not descend into hostility, and once the ballot has spoken, the party will move forward as one.”
He warned that the conduct of aspirants before, during and after the primaries would shape not only the moral character of the party but also its future electoral prospects.
“Your conduct will define the moral tone of the NPP and, ultimately, the future of our country,” he said, noting that party supporters, grassroots members and young people are closely observing their actions.
Akufo-Addo stressed that internal competition must never weaken the party’s collective strength.
“The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he declared, cautioning that no ambition, grievance or faction should be allowed to divide the party, symbolised by the elephant.
With an eye on the 2026 elections, he underscored the centrality of unity to victory.
“Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he said, urging aspirants to ensure that the peace pact is not only signed but faithfully upheld.
He also called for decency and mutual respect in campaigning, encouraging aspirants to run “firm but fair” campaigns that are competitive yet respectful, in keeping with the party’s traditions which reject “fear, insults, intimidation and bitterness.”
The former President further warned against elevating loyalty to individuals above loyalty to the party.
“Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, stressing that after the primaries there must be “one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Expressing confidence in the NPP’s future, Akufo-Addo said the party remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future,” urging members to keep it united, disciplined and worthy of public trust.
“If we honour our history, respect one another and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP and of Ghana will indeed be bright,” he said.
Also addressing the ceremony, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called on the NPP to rebuild itself as a united and disciplined political force, warning that Ghana does not need a divided party.
“Ghana needs this party back, not as a wounded, quarrelling organisation, but as a renewed, united and serious alternative,” he said.
He added that leadership must be rooted in service rather than ego.
“The country does not need leaders who are prisoners of their egos. It needs leaders who are servants of the Republic,” he said, stressing that the peace pact must result in tangible changes in conduct before and after the primaries.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, also urged aspirants to conduct themselves honourably to protect the party’s traditions and the legacy of its founding fathers.
“Please do something honourable for the New Patriotic Party and our tradition,” he said, cautioning that past unfair practices, partiality and extreme partisanship had previously undermined party unity.
