Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cautioned aspirants vying for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership not to allow personal ambition to undermine party unity and the party’s long-term fortunes, stressing that the NPP is greater than any individual interest.
He made the remarks at the peace pact signing ceremony for NPP presidential hopefuls ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026 primaries, describing the pact as a binding commitment rather than a symbolic gesture.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” he said.
According to the former President, the agreement reflects a shared responsibility among contestants to ensure that ambition does not override camaraderie and that healthy competition does not degenerate into hostility.
“It is a commitment that ambition will not override fraternity, that competition will not descend into hostility, and that once the ballot has spoken, the party will move forward as one,” he explained.
Nana Akufo-Addo reminded the aspirants that their conduct before, during, and after the internal elections will have lasting consequences for both the party and the country, noting that party supporters, grassroots members, and the youth are closely watching their actions.
“Your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” he said.
He warned that internal contests must not weaken the party’s collective strength.
“Let me be clear: the NPP is bigger than any individual,” he stressed, adding that no personal ambition, grievance, or faction should be allowed to threaten the party’s unity.
“No ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” he said, referring to the party’s symbol.
Emphasising the importance of cohesion, the former President described unity as essential to electoral success.
“Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he stated, urging aspirants to uphold the peace pact not only in words but also in conduct.
He also appealed for civility as the primaries draw closer, calling on candidates to run firm but respectful campaigns.
“Let your campaigns be firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” he urged, noting that the NPP’s tradition rejects fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.
Nana Akufo-Addo further cautioned against elevating loyalty to individuals above loyalty to the party.
“Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, adding that after the primaries, there must be “one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Expressing confidence in the NPP’s future, the former President said the party remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future” and called on members to keep it united, disciplined, and deserving of the trust of the Ghanaian people.
“If we honour our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP—and of Ghana herself—will indeed be bright,” he concluded.
