The intentionality of every leader is prone to be jeopardized without a code of conduct. This means the strength of any political party lies not just in its policies or slogans, but in the ethical foundation and integrity of its leaders. Without a clearly defined and enforced code of conduct, leadership becomes vulnerable to personal ambition, tribal centrism and partisan loyalty, rather than public service and national development. Unfortunately, the NPP’s current challenges reflect deep cracks in this foundation. Here are the salient and deeper needs of ethical reforms in NPP leadership.
Internal Discipline Has Broken Down. Factions have overtaken partyism and patriotism. Loyalty to individuals has replaced loyalty to values. Greed and personal gain have taken precedence over national interest, undermining unity, credibility and effective leadership. The public see them as never serious people.
Moral Authority Is Eroding. Parliamentary clashes and unchecked public insults have highlighted a disturbing absence of ethical behavior. When no one holds others accountable, leadership becomes noise creators without earning true public respect. The public take NPP leadership for granted.
Constitutional Breaches and Selective Justice. From ignoring internal rules to protesting lawful investigations like Chairman Wontumi’s issue, leadership behavior increasingly sends the wrong message: that some are above the law. Citizens get to know that the leadership of NPP are only thinking about party and winning elections for personal gain against national development.
Disconnect from the People. Many leaders appear more focused on attacking opponents than uplifting citizens. True leadership isn’t reacting to Mahama, it’s responding to the needs of Ghanaians. When NPP leadership criticizes something the public sees as good about Mahama, it gives the citizens some concern about the kind of unpatriotic NPP leadership has become. Criticize when necessary and condemn anything wrong even from your own party.
Nepotism, Favoritism and Competence Gaps. Appointments based on loyalty rather than merit erode trust. Appointments based on loyalty rather than merit, including the retention of close relatives in key positions, eroded public trust. Look at their party regional chairmen. They are uneducated, at least a graduate will be fine. Example: Nepotism and Patronage The appointment of close relatives and loyalists to key government positions without clear merit-based processes has fueled accusations of favoritism over competence. Without ethical training, officials may not recognize the long-term damage such practices cause to institutional integrity and public confidence. Regional chairmen must be qualified, not chosen because of who they know. Ghana deserves competent leadership at all levels of political leadership. Allegations of opaque financial dealings and poor communication with party members and the public created suspicion and disillusionment. The public has lost trust in their financial greed over services to the people.
Poor Ethical Training Without structured development, officials may not understand their roles, leading to confusion, mismanagement and scandals like illegal mining (galamsey). Develop, organize and implement mandatory ethics and leadership training for all elected officials and appointees quarterly. This helps clarify roles, responsibilities and the moral expectations of public service, reducing confusion, mismanagement, misappropriation of funds and misconduct.
The Way Forward in Rebuilding Credibility with Action
For the NPP to reclaim its credibility and become a true force for national good, it must adopt the following reforms:
Promote Internal Democracy and Meritocracy. All positions must be earned through competence, not loyalty. Every region deserves capable representation at least a graduate to be a regional chairman.
Lead by Example. Leadership is about integrity, humility and transparency. Thes ethical traits must begin at the top. Leaders should declare assets, admit mistakes and serve selflessly to move the country forward.
Strengthen Accountability. Leadership is about loyalty to the truth, not to wrongdoing. Create independent ethical committees and offer disciplinary action and support for anti-corruption bodies. These are crucial principles for building trust and gaining public confidence.
Engage the Citizens. Open the channels of communication to the grassroot members of the party. Hold sessions, town halls meetings, digital forums and press briefings about salient matters for national development and unity in the leadership or party. Governance means people-centered, not election-driven or party-centered.
Institutionalize Ethical Leadership Training. Conduct quarterly training to ensure that every official knows their role, their limits and the moral weight of their office. This will reduce internal conflicts.
This is a call to character as I have affirmed in my book Respect Matters, character matters in leadership and all must know that democracy is only as strong as the conscience of those who lead. The NPP still has the chance to rise not just as a party of the past, not incompetent leaders, but quality, visionary, ethical and competent leaders being the true benchmark for ethical leadership beyond Ghana in Africa. Let the reform begin now and begin with you, within the party, from the top and with purpose not for applause, but for legacy. Ghana requires ethical leaders for ethical leadership. The future of any democracy rests not just on elections, but on the character of those who lead. Character still matters in ethical leadership. The NPP has the opportunity to rise as a moral standard-bearer for Ghana. The time to act is now.
By
Gaddiel R. Ackah
[email protected]
U.S. Navy veteran. Lives in U.S.A.
Social Advocate for economic independence, spiritual growth and ethical leadership. His work spans education, business, spirituality, leadership and creative arts, making him a multifaceted influencer.
Author of Many Leadership and Inspiring books.
Competent Leadership: Becoming Successful Our Happiness. Some Choices Matter Respect Matters Faith Wipes Tears The Power of Faith
