In July 2022, Mr. Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK) was entrusted with the high office of General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) based on an inspiring vision and a series of compelling campaign promises. His message resonated with delegates hungry for reform, progress, and above all, unity. However, after two years in office, it has become painfully clear that JFK’s tenure has been marked more by rhetoric than results, culminating in the party’s most humiliating electoral performance since 1992.
The NPP cannot afford to reward failure with a second chance. Here’s why JFK does not deserve another term base on his own previous promises:
1. A Party More Divided Than Ever
JFK campaigned heavily on unity and inclusiveness. He urged members to come together “like the five fingers of the hand.” But what has happened under his leadership? Deep cracks have widened across the party from the grassroots to the highest echelons. Internal bickering, factionalism, mistrust, and unresolved post-primary tensions have fractured the party’s image and energy. His inability to promote meaningful reconciliation has left the NPP vulnerable and disoriented ahead of crucial national elections.
2. Failure to Restructure and Empower the Base
JFK pledged to restructure the party to empower grassroots members, women, and the youth. Yet, after three years, nothing significant has changed. Party foot soldiers still feel abandoned, local executives remain demotivated, and many youth and women wings report little to no engagement. The very people who form the engine of the party’s electoral machinery feel ignored. The promised revitalization never materialized except silence and neglect.
3. The Digitization Dream That Died
One of JFK’s boldest promises was a 100-day digital transformation agenda such as electronic forms, biometric membership systems, a digital dues app, and a call center. Delegates believed this vision would modernize the NPP and bring efficiency to internal operations. Three years on, what do we have to show? None of the promised digital tools are fully functional or operational. No transparency, no updates, no explanations. JFK has simply abandoned the very innovation he claimed would define his leadership.
4. Transparency and Discipline? A Myth
JFK touted transparency, discipline, and fairness as core pillars. He assured party faithfuls that internal elections would be managed with integrity and without favouritism. Sadly, what we witnessed was the opposite. Allegations of bias, selective justice, and disregard for party procedures have become more frequent under his watch. The promise of “fair but firm” leadership has turned into selective silence when powerful figures misbehave and a heavy hand when ordinary members speak out.
5. The Biggest Failure: Breaking the 8 Became Breaking the Party
Above all, JFK aligned his campaign with the party’s strategic ambition of Breaking the 8. This was aimed at winning a third consecutive term in office. But under his leadership, the NPP’s fortunes have nosedived. In recent by-elections and national polls, the party has performed abysmally. Disillusionment is widespread. Voter confidence is eroding. Instead of building momentum, JFK has presided over a party adrift, confused, and disconnected from the electorate. Certainly! Here’s a more polished and organized version of the statement:
Indeed, he criticized John Boadu and urged delegates to vote him out for overseeing the party’s disappointing performance in the 2020 elections, which saw a reduction in parliamentary seats from 169 in 2016 to 137. Given this precedent, it would be indefensible to retain a General Secretary under whose leadership the number further declined to 88 out of 276 seats in the 2024 elections.
Conclusion: The NPP Deserves Better
JFK’s tenure has been one of talk without action, promises without delivery, and leadership without vision. At a time when the NPP needs strong, principled, and results-oriented leadership to regain public trust, JFK has proven inadequate.
NPP Delegates must, therefore, not be swayed by eloquence or charisma alone. The party needs a general secretary who can deliver not just speak. A second term for JFK would be a reward for failure and a betrayal of the hopes and hard work of the grassroots.
The NPP cannot afford to gamble again. It’s time to chart a new course with leadership that matches words with action.
Elijah Osafo Amoako a.k.a. Elijah De Prophet
Under the Baobab Tree
Kojo Oku-Gomoa East Constituency
