THE POLITICS OF BENEFIT WITHOUT RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FORGOTTEN GRASSROOTS
There is nothing inherently wrong with party members benefiting from political opportunities. Indeed, political parties exist partly to provide leadership opportunities, appointments, professional advancement, and avenues for capable members to contribute to national development.
Public contracts, appointments, institutional opportunities, and professional recognition must, however, be governed by competence, transparency, fairness, and the public interest.
The concern arises when individuals who enjoy such opportunities also link up their offspring and family members with political positions and government contracts to keep the benefits flowing, the likes of the Bartels, Newmans, Marfos, Manus, Blays, and Adu-Boahenes, and other married daughters who no longer carry their family surnames, who then behave as though their personal fortunes are entirely disconnected from the political environment that made their parents rich and made their own opportunities possible.
Some appear enthusiastic when the party is in government, when appointments are available, when contracts are being awarded, and when political access opens doors. Yet, when the party encounters difficulties, their commitment becomes questionable, leaving the lasting challenges on the shoulders ofpoor grassroots to bear.
Some become politically distant. Others begin to undermine the party’s leadership, while a few appear willing to lend their influence to narratives that weaken the organisation.
The Bible records a striking statement from Jesus that redefines family entirely. When told that His mother and brothers were waiting, Jesus replied, “Behold My mother and My brethren!” that is, those who “do the will of My Father” (Matthew 12:47–50). He thus places spiritual kinship above biological ties and asks, in effect, “Who are my mother and my brother and my sister? Every person striving to do the will of My Father must be treated as our own relative.” Yes, that is exactly the key hermeneutical in practical terms: let us care about the welfare of NPP members before NDC members. This directly relativises any claim that one biological line, maternal or paternal, is superior.
This raises a fundamental question: Is political friendship measured only by what one receives, or also by what one is prepared to contribute when the party is struggling?
Loyalty Must Not Be Confused with Blind Allegiance. It is important to establish that loyalty does not mean suppressing legitimate criticism.
A healthy political party must accommodate disagreement, internal democracy, accountability, and constructive opposition. No leader or political organisation should be above scrutiny.
However, there is a difference between principled criticism and calculated political hostility.
There is a difference between demanding reforms because one wants the party to succeed and exploiting its weaknesses for personal political advantage.
There is also a difference between disagreeing with a party’s leadership and deliberately working to destroy the institution that provided the platform for one’s political relevance.
The NPP must, therefore, learn to distinguish between genuine reformers, principled critics, political opportunists, and individuals whose commitment appears to depend entirely on personal benefits.
The Forgotten Sacrifices of the Grassroots. Perhaps the greatest injustice in this political arrangement is the treatment of ordinary party supporters.
Across constituencies, thousands of members have invested their time, resources, reputations, and sometimes personal safety in the party’s electoral struggles.
Many have never received government appointments, contracts, or financial rewards. They continue to defend the party because they believe in its political philosophy and aspirations.
Yet, some individuals who have enjoyed considerable political and economic opportunities appear to have little difficulty distancing themselves from the party when circumstances become unfavourable.
This creates resentment among grassroots members who naturally ask whether the party rewards sacrifice or merely accommodates those with access to power.
The NPP cannot afford to build a political culture in which the benefits of victory are enjoyed by a few while the burden of defending the party is left to ordinary members.
Political Friendship Must Have a Moral Foundation. Friendship in politics should not be reduced to contracts, appointments, financial assistance, or access to influential personalities.
Genuine political friendship requires honesty, gratitude, mutual respect, and a willingness to defend institutional principles even when personal interests are not being served.
Those who have benefited from the party should understand that their political and professional advancement carries a corresponding responsibility to uphold fairness, integrity, and the collective interests of the organisation.
This does not mean that beneficiaries must surrender their independent judgment. Rather, it means that they should not turn personal disagreements or disappointed expectations into campaigns against the very institution that helped open doors for them.
Venerable Dr Nathaniel Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey
