BY Daniel Bampoe
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo used history, personal sacrifice and a subtle dose of political mischief to deliver a powerful message to New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants at the party’s Peace Pact signing ceremony, warning that ambition without unity has never won power in the politics.
Speaking before party elders, national executives, the Inspector General of Police, members of the National Peace Council and the five presidential aspirants, the former President reminded the gathering that political success in the NPP tradition has never been about ego or convenience, but conviction, loyalty and collective discipline.
“I contested the presidential prize and became second to John Agyekum Kufuor,” Akufo-Addo recalled, drawing laughter and reflection from the audience.
“When the contest ended, I did not hesitate. I became his chief campaigner. That decision was not about convenience. It was about conviction.”
He explained that the unity demonstrated after that internal contest laid the foundation for the NPP’s first historic presidential victory in 2000, ending decades of political struggle for the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition. According to him, the same spirit of fraternity later returned in his favour when he became the party’s flagbearer beginning in 2008.
“When it became my turn, I received the same level of loyalty and support from those who had once competed against me,” he said.
“That tradition of fraternity carried us through difficult moments and enabled us to win and serve.”
Akufo-Addo warned that this inheritance of unity is fragile and must be protected at all costs, particularly at a time when internal competition is intense and emotions are high ahead of the January 31, 2026 presidential primaries.
Tracing the ideological roots of the NPP, the former President stressed that the party’s philosophy remains deeply appealing to Ghanaians.
He cited the party’s long-standing commitment to individual liberty, respect for human rights, private enterprise, the rule of law and human development in a society of shared prosperity, arguing that electoral setbacks are rarely caused by failed ideas.
“When we falter, it is rarely because our ideas have failed,” he noted. “It is usually because we have failed ourselves.”
Against this backdrop, Akufo-Addo described the Peace Pact as far more than a ceremonial document. “This peace pact, this commitment pact, is not a mere ceremony. It is a sovereign covenant,” he declared.
“It is a commitment that ambition will not override fraternity, that competition will not descend into hostility.”
He cautioned aspirants that their conduct before, during and after the primaries will shape not only the moral tone of the NPP but also the future of the country.
“History will judge not only who wins, but how all of you conduct yourselves,” he warned, reminding them that the party’s grassroots and youth are watching closely.
In one of the strongest lines of his address, Akufo-Addo stated bluntly: “The NPP is bigger than any individual. No ambition, grievance or faction is greater than the elephant.”
He emphasized that leadership contests must never weaken the collective cause, stressing that unity is not a slogan or a public relations tool.
“Unity is not optional. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he said.
The former President urged aspirants to ensure that the Peace Pact is not only signed but lived.
He called for campaigns that are “firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” and warned against fear, insults, intimidation and bitterness, which he said have no place in the party’s tradition.
“Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he added, insisting that after the primaries there must be “one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Akufo-Addo also placed the current contest within the broader historical journey of the Danquah-Busia political tradition, tracing its roots back to 1947 and the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
He recalled how the founding leaders—men of strong personalities and strong views—chose discipline, mutual respect and democratic processes over force.
“They were united by discipline, mutual respect, patriotism and an unshakable belief in ordinary democratic process,” he said, arguing that this tradition has survived precisely because winners and losers alike learned to manage victory with humility and defeat with dignity.
Reflecting on earlier internal contests, including those of the early Fourth Republic, Akufo-Addo noted that unity after primaries has always been the party’s strongest weapon, even in periods of opposition and hardship.
“A party that cannot manage victory with humility or defeat with dignity cannot expect to win the confidence of the Ghanaian people,” he said.
He acknowledged that the current campaign has generated heat among supporters but urged restraint.
“We have seen it all before,” he said. “Do not be discouraged by the excesses.”
In his closing remarks, Akufo-Addo struck an optimistic tone, expressing confidence that the NPP remains the best vehicle with the best ideas for the future.
He stressed that the responsibility of current leaders and aspirants is to keep that vehicle united, disciplined and worthy of the trust of the Ghanaian people.
“Our duty is to honor our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self,” he concluded.
“If we do that, the future of the NPP—and of Ghana itself—will indeed be bright.”
