In a recent interview on Frontline with Rainbow Radio on February 12, 2024, Kwesi Korang, the founder and leader of Patriot Ghana, a group associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed his views on the current state of the party under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
Korang acknowledged President Akufo-Addo’s achievements for the country but noted a concerning division within the NPP. He emphasized that while Akufo-Addo has made significant strides as president, he falls short in the role of unifying the party.
Drawing a comparison to former President Kufour, Korang highlighted Kufour’s ability to unite the party after securing the presidential candidacy. In contrast, he criticized Akufo-Addo for failing to meet this standard of party unity.
Korang further pointed out instances where various individuals within the party opposed Kufour’s candidacy, underscoring the contrast in leadership dynamics within the NPP over different presidential terms.
Despite the initial opposition to Kufour’s candidacy, Korang observed a notable shift after Kufour’s election as president. Interestingly, many of those who had previously opposed him ended up receiving the majority of appointments within the administration.
“Several individuals, including the likes of Ajiri Blankson, Kwabena Agyapong, Theresa Tagoe, and many others, were opposed to him becoming our presidential candidate.
“But after he was elected president, most of these individuals were his ministers and appointees. He was able to unite the party and close all the ranks in the party. Under Kufour, it was difficult to identify any divisions or cracks unless you had drawn closer,” he said.
He continued, “But that is not the case today. Today, even when you are far away, you will be able to discover that there is division in the party. One thing Nana Addo has done that I do not appreciate is his failure to unite the party. He has failed to unite the party.
“In terms of governance and managing Ghana, he has done very well. But he has divided the party.
“He has failed to put his own house in order. If he can build the party, the blessings and appreciation he seeks will come to him. Everybody is complaining that he has failed, but the schools, hospitals, and roads he has constructed are better than those of Mahama.
“This is because there is bitterness and division, and that is why he is facing this challenge. He should mobilize and unite the party, and all other things will follow as he requires,” he told the host Kwabena Agyapong.
“In terms of governance and managing Ghana, he has done very well. But he has divided the party.
“He has failed to put his own house in order. If he can build the party, the blessings and appreciation he seeks will come to him. Everybody is complaining that he has failed, but the schools, hospitals, and roads he has constructed are better than those of Mahama.
“This is because there is bitterness and division, and that is why he is facing this challenge. He should mobilize and unite the party, and all other things will follow as he requires,” he told the host Kwabena Agyapong.
