The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) reform agenda has come under scrutiny from constitutional lawyer and activist Kwaku Azar, who accuses the party of prioritizing power over genuine reform. Azar’s criticism centers around the party’s recently announced timetable, which he believes is designed to seize power rather than implement meaningful change.
Concerns Over Presidential Primaries and Lack of Accountability
Azar questions the NPP’s decision to hold presidential primaries before restructuring its grassroots and executive base, arguing that this approach indicates a desire for control rather than renewal. He also faults the party for not publishing a transparent post-mortem analysis of its 2024 electoral defeat, which he believes is essential for introspection and accountability.
Failed Executives and a Broken Delegate System
Furthermore, Azar expresses concern that those who oversaw the 2024 defeat remain in power and are leading the reforms, suggesting that this undermines the party’s efforts to reform. He also criticizes the NPP’s delegate system, which he says gives disproportionate power to a handful of party delegates, often influenced by money and incumbents, while ordinary members remain voiceless.
Call for Genuine Reform
Azar urges the NPP to prioritize accountability, release its post-mortem analysis, refresh its leadership, reform its electoral system, and rebuild from the grassroots up. He warns that failing to do the hard work of reform now will lead to the painful work of losing again later. The question remains whether the NPP will heed Azar’s warnings and embark on genuine reform or continue with its current approach.
Story By: Kwame Lawerh
