A former Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Kufuor regime, Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei, has expressed his contentment over the proceedings of the New Patriotic Party (NPP’s) National Delegates Conference held over the weekend, rating the conference 8/10.
According to him, the just ended National Delegates Conference, held at the University of Ghana stadium, which facilitated over 50 amendments in the party’s Constitution brought back the “NPP-spirit”, as well as the “eagerness” to win the 2028 General election.
The former Legislator for the then Ejisu/Juaben Constituency, however, has questioned the processes by which the delegates voted on proposed amendments, noting that the system of shouting “yes or no” is not an “efficient and effective” way of voting.
Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based radio station, Silver FM, last Tuesday, the former legislator explained to the host, William De Bordes (Loving Cee) that proposed amendments need to be sent to all the constituencies, prior to the conference, to be deliberated upon to get the grassroots opinion, as well as to ensure that delegates are abreast of and understand the proposed amendment.
He noted there should be an efficient voting system that reflects the voice of delegates, to deepen democracy within the party as well as ensuring that the party following are involved in the decision-making of the party.
The former Minister also opined that some positions, such as General Secretary and Treasurer, among others, should not be voted for, but rather should be “selected and appointed” to help curb nepotism within the party noting that the most popular person.
Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei also expressed his satisfaction over one of the amendments, which enables constituencies to conduct their elections without the involvement of their respective regions’ and national executives in line with his opinion that constituencies should be “semi-autonomous” to empower the constituencies as well as ensuring that competent executives and Parliamentary Candidates are elected.
Touching on the top-bottom approach, Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei disclosed that the National Executives Committee (NEC) of the party is the final decision-making body hence their decisions cannot be disputed, because they are “always” in the interest of the party.
He further disclosed that the NEC has announced a 40 percent increment in voters, stressing that it “may” make a difference at the presidential primaries slated for January 31, 2026.
Assessing President Mahama 7-month period in office, the former Minister condemned the energy Sector Levy, popularly known as Dumsor Levy, stressing that fuel prices are not stagnant and also influenced by world prices, which will eventually “shoot-up” and exerting more financial burden on the citizenry.
He further urged the NDC-led government to be candid with themselves and acknowledge the good policies of the previous government, which they (NDC) are rebranding and building on and continue with it, citing the 24-Hour economy initiative having the same policies of the “One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
