Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for a renewed commitment to unity and democratic values within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), saying the party’s future depends on the quality of leadership chosen by its members.

In a recorded message played at the NPP National Delegates Conference, Mr Kufuor urged delegates to look beyond campaign rhetoric and carefully assess the records, character and leadership abilities of candidates seeking national executive positions.

He said the party needed leaders who could help rebuild public confidence in the NPP and strengthen its internal cohesion.

“Let us, from now, select the National Executive Committee of the party on the basis not on great talk, but on careful examination, to find out the sort of leadership that would enable us regain the confidence of the people of Ghana,” he said.

The former President emphasised that unity should remain central to the party’s efforts to rebuild and reposition itself.

“We need all the unity we can get and muster within the party,” he said.

According to Mr Kufuor, maintaining unity should not mean suppressing differing opinions. Rather, he said, the NPP must preserve a democratic culture in which members are able to express their views and contribute to the direction of the party.

He also reminded delegates of the importance of respecting the democratic principles upon which the party operates, including recognition of the people as the ultimate holders of political sovereignty.

Mr Kufuor said Ghana needed political parties that could provide the leadership required to drive national development, prosperity and transformation.

His remarks come as the NPP gathers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi for its National Delegates Conference, where delegates are electing a new team of national executives to steer the party through its next phase.

The elections include the selection of key officers such as the national chairman and general secretary, whose leadership will play a role in shaping the party’s organisation and political direction.