Ghana’s political evolution has been shaped by two dominant ideological traditions: the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the United Party (UP). While the CPP advocated central planning and Pan-African socialism, the UP emerged in defense of liberal democracy, private enterprise, and local governance. This article examines the early roots of the UP, the fragmentation of its successor parties, and its eventual evolution into the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Formation of the United Party (UP)
On October 8, 1957, a coalition of opposition parties formed the United Party (UP) in response to the Avoidance of Discrimination Act, 1957 (Act 38), which banned ethnically and regionally based parties in Ghana [1]. This law forced smaller parties with localized ethnic or regional support to merge into a unified opposition.
The Six Merging Parties
National Liberation Movement (NLM) – founded in Ashanti by Baffour Osei Akoto (a senior linguist of the Asantehene), and led by Oxford-trained sociologist Dr. K. A. Busia, the NLM opposed centralized control and championed traditional leadership and federalism [2]. Slogan: “We prefer self-government in danger to servitude in tranquility.” Northern People’s Party (NPP) – led by Simon Diedong Dombo, a chief and educationist, the NPP stood for the interests of the Northern Territories [3]. Slogan: “Unity and Progress for the North.” Togoland Congress (TC) – focused on representing the people of Trans-Volta Togoland, and was led by S. G. Antor. Base: Trans-Volta Togoland (modern-day northern Volta and Oti Regions). Slogan: “Togoland for the Togolese.” Although British Togoland had voted to join Ghana in the 1956 plebiscite, many in the TC continued to advocate for regional autonomy and preservation of Ewe cultural identity. Joining the UP was part of a broader realignment after Ghana’s independence became a political reality. Anlo Youth Organisation (AYO) – representing southern Ewe interests, was led by Modesto Apaloo. Slogan: “Anlo for Justice and Progress.” The AYO was a regional party emphasizing Anlo identity and interests in response to the CPP’s perceived marginalization of ethnic minorities. Although smaller in reach, its alliance with other parties under the UP banner gave it national visibility. Ga Shifimo Kpee (GSK) – advocating for the Ga people of Greater Accra, was led by Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey. Slogan: “Ga State First.” Muslim Association Party (MAP) – representing the interests of Muslims across regions, was led by Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, and drew its support from Zongo communities across Ghana, especially in the South and parts of the North. Slogan: “Islamic Unity for National Development.
Though ideologically and ethnically diverse, these parties united under Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia. Their shared goals included multiparty democracy, rule of law, and respect for traditional leadership. Their coming together to form the United Party (UP) was historic — a symbol of cooperation across lines that often divide African politics. The United Party became the main opposition force until it was banned in 1964, along with all other parties, when Ghana became a one-party state under Nkrumah. However, the UP tradition lived on. It later inspired political groupings such as the Progress Party (1969), the Popular Front Party (1979), and ultimately the New Patriotic Party (NPP), founded in 1992.
From United Party (UP) to Progress Party (PP)
The UP was banned following the 1964 constitutional amendment establishing a one-party state under Nkrumah [4]. After Nkrumah’s overthrow in 1966, political activity resumed. Busia, returning from exile, led the newly formed Progress Party (PP) into the 1969 elections.
1969 Elections and the Second Republic
The PP won 105 of the 140 parliamentary seats, forming Ghana’s Second Republic with Busia as Prime Minister [5]. His administration emphasized:
Economic liberalism Strengthening local governance “Operation Feed Yourself” agricultural campaign
However, economic challenges and military dissatisfaction culminated in a coup on January 13, 1972, led by Colonel I. K. Acheampong, toppling the PP government [6].
The 1979 Elections: Popular Front Party and the UNC Split
After years of military rule, Ghana transitioned to civilian governance in 1979. The UP tradition reemerged but fragmented. Led by Victor Owusu, the Popular Front Party (PFP) carried Busia’s ideological mantle and drew strong support in Ashanti and Eastern regions [7], while the United National Convention (UNC), headed by William Ofori Atta (Paa Willie), attracted moderates and Christians in coastal regions [8].
Consequences of the Split
The PFP and UNC split the UP vote. Their combined support could have defeated Dr. Hilla Limann’s People’s National Party (PNP). Limann won with 35% of votes, while PFP and UNC together polled over 44% [9].
How the UP Became the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Following another military takeover in 1981, political parties were once again banned. During the 1980s, key intellectuals within the UP tradition, including Prof. Adu Boahen, quietly resisted authoritarian rule. Boahen’s 1988 lecture, “The Ghanaian Sphinx,” openly challenged the PNDC military government, sparking a renewed public call for democracy [10].
Formation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
When the PNDC announced a return to multiparty democracy in 1992, the UP faithful reorganized under a new name — the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This marked the formal rebirth of the UP tradition.
Founding Figures and Ideology:
Prof. Adu Boahen — presidential candidate in 1992. B.J. da Rocha — founding Chairman and legal architect. Peter Ala Adjetey, Odoi-Sykes, Nana Akufo-Addo — early strategists [11].
The NPP advocated:
Constitutional democracy Private sector-led economic growth Respect for tradition and rule of law
Despite losing the 1992 presidential elections to Rawlings and boycotting the parliamentary elections over claims of electoral fraud, the NPP built a solid national structure and gained strength over the years, winning power in 2000.
Sustaining Relevance in Contemporary Ghanaian Politics
For the NPP to remain relevant in Ghana’s evolving political environment, it must:
Rebuild Public Trust: disillusionment with perceived corruption, elitism, and poor communication must be addressed through transparency, accountability, and youth engagement. The complacency and arrogance of those at the top hierarchy must stop. Only those who are committed to serve the country must be fixed in key positions, and not just any financier. Revive Core UP Values: recommit to rule of law, private enterprise, decentralization, and respect for traditional authority, which originally gave the UP its moral edge. Bridge Internal Divisions: factionalism, favoritism, and delayed decision-making (e.g., late flagbearer selections) must be minimized to avoid alienating supporters, especially in strongholds [12]. The entire party infrastructure needed a complete overhaul as soon as the NPP lost the elections in 2024. Selection of all party executives must be as transparent as possible, and should have preceded the selection of the flagbearer. The party should have the courage to hold underperforming party executives accountable. Unarguably, much of their actions led to apathy and protest abstentions. Be Proactive on National Issues: the party must lead conversations on employment, education, and economic transformation with bold, inclusive policies that cut across regional and class divides. The party must be seen as a one with matured MPs and Communicators. Any childish behavior or careless statement by any party official dents the image of the NPP further. Adapt to Demographic Changes: Ghana’s youth population is growing and becoming more issue-focused. The youth of today are more discerning and cannot be taken for granted. The abysmal performance of the NPP in the 2024 elections is ample proof that Ghanaians are watching. The NPP must empower young leaders and integrate digital campaign strategies. More than that, Ghanaians want to see what the NPP has in her sleeves. The entire eight years under Nana Addo for many, were wasted.
Conclusion
The history of the NPP is deeply intertwined with Ghana’s democratic journey. From the formation of the UP to the current-day NPP, the tradition has survived bans, coups, fragmentation, and electoral losses — yet consistently re-emerged as a leading voice for liberal democratic values. Understanding this tradition is crucial not only for party faithful but also for young Ghanaians seeking context in today’s polarized political discourse. As the NPP moves into the future, remembering its past will be the compass that guides its relevance and renewal.
Simple arithmetic suggests that if the NPP had mobilized just a quarter of the abstaining 7.2 million voters, particularly from its own traditional strongholds, the result could have been dramatically different. The figures show that out of 18.77 million registered voters, 11.43 million voted. With a difference of about 1.67 million votes, the NPP still has a chance if only all their faithful come home to brood.
Footnotes
[1] “Avoidance of Discrimination Act,” Government of Ghana, 1957. [2] Austin, Dennis. Politics in Ghana: 1946–1960. Oxford University Press, 1964. [3] Jonah, Kwame. “Dombo and the Development of Northern Politics,” UDS Journal, 2005. [4] Ghana Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1964. [5] Elections in Ghana, 1969. Electoral Commission archives. [6] Oquaye, Mike. Politics in Ghana: 1972–1979, Tornado Publications, 1980. [7] Ninsin, Kwame. The Political Economy of Ghana, 1982. [8] Boafo-Arthur, Kwame. “PFP and UNC Split and Its Implications,” Ghana Political Review, 1980. [9] Electoral Commission of Ghana, 1979 Presidential and Parliamentary Results. [10] Adu Boahen, Albert. “The Ghanaian Sphinx: Reflections on the Contemporary History of Ghana,” Lecture, 1988. [11] Da Rocha, B. J., Memoirs. Accra: Private Press, 1995. [12] Daily Graphic, October 2023. “NPP Warned Against Delayed Flagbearer Announcement.”
FUSEINI ABDULAI BRAIMAH
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