Laws are made to set and maintain groups, societies, nations etc., etc. on a path that would be to the benefit of all. Some of these laws can put the mind into a state of confusion and incomprehension.
For example, we are told that the universe is expanding, meaning stretching outwards and yet the distances between the bodies in our Solar system remain the same and we are in the same position within the Milky Way.
Somewhere between the 700 BC and 600 BC, a devout and God-fearing man, called Job, made a statement that God hangs the earth on nothing. Since God is of orderliness, a law of nature must make the earth and all other heavenly bodies to suspend on nothing, these laws are naturally made to ensure orderliness.
Back to Earth, and to our country, Ghana. We have a supreme law governing our lives and conducts in this country. It is the 1992 Constitution. Even though, this may be one of the worst constitutions we ever had, once we still have it, we are to abide by it, if our country will be one of law-abiding people.
In the political parties, there are also constitutions which primarily define the parties and set out codes of conduct that all member must adhere to. And the New Patriotic Party, is no exception.
Today, one aspect of the party’s rule which is put under text, is when it would be constitutional to campaign for parliamentary and presidential candidates.
The party’s rules are simple. No one must campaign for and/or must be declared by others,for a position in the Party, unless after the go-ahead when nomination forms have been given out.
The reason behind this may not be too clear, since long before any delegates’ conference/congress to elect officers, parliamentary candidates and flag bearer, the main contestants would have been known. That is when lobbying begins and camps are set up to push the agenda of this or the other person.
The Party believes that peace and harmony would prevail if everything is left to the last minute. But whether the campaign begins early or late has nothing to do with peace and harmony. It is only when there are strict laws on discipline and conducts of party members, which must be enforced, that peace and harmony can prevail.
In 2014, long before the whistle was blown for campaigning, an aspirant, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, now H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, president of the republic, was the leading aspirant and MPs, party officers, etc., etc. openly declared for him. Even though at that time it was against the rules, party General Secretary,
Kwabena Agyapong was not listened to as many broke the rules with impunity. Nana Addo went on to win the primaries and the presidential of the republic as well.
Eight years on, in 2022, another opportunity comes for the election of a flag bearer position, to lead the NPP in the presidential election. This time, the General Secretary, John Boadu, came out loud and clear and reminded all members of the party that it was wrong for anyone to start campaigning for the flag bearer position and it was also wrong for anyone, especially those in positions in the party and government, to declare for any aspirant.
John Boadu sounded tough, but while those who declared for the Vice President where left unnoticed, those who declared for others were swiftly punished. It was very obvious that the then General Secretary supported the candidacy of the Veep, and would want to indirectly immobilize any support from the grassroot to other aspirants, especially to Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and Hon Afriyie Akoto.
So, in NPP, it was a case of “do as I say, but not as I do.” The National Delegates Conference came on and John Boadu was replaced with Justin FrimpongKodua (JFK). He also came out loud and tough, to read the Riot Act and warned of dire consequences for anyone who will disobey the Party rules.
Before the dust could settle, the MP for Effiduase/Asokore, Hon Dr Nana AyewAfriye, declared for the Vice President and warned that anyone who attempted to make things hard for him, would be dealt with. What was even more shocking was that in the presence of General Secretary Justin F. Kodua, the National Nasara Co-ordinator, Abdul Aziz Haruna Futah, openly declared for the vice president.
During a Health Walk in Kumasi, in honour of the candidacy of Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Hopeson Adorye, spoke to party faithful and reminded them of the long-held tradition of the Party, where a Southerner Christian goes for the flag bearer and a Northerner Muslim goes for running mate.
Hopeson’s comments attracted fury from some NPP members. Musah Superior, Deputy CEO of Forestry Commission, was among the first to scream foul and he was followed by Hon Farouk Aliu Mahama, MP for Yendi.
To calm the storm, JFK invited Hopeson Adorye, to probably come over to explain why disciplinary actions should not be taken against him, for what he said in Kumasi. Hon. AyewAfriye was also invited.
What many NPP members are drawing the new General Secretary’s attention to is the fact there was a long list of top Party and government officials who need to be invited, because they openly declared support for Dr. Bawumia. The list included Nana ObiriBoahen, Fmr Dep. General Secretary; Bernard AntwiBoasiako (Wontumi), Ashanti Regional Chairman; Freddie WorsemanuBlay, Fmr National Chairman; IddrisuMusah Superior, Dep. CEO, Forestry Commission, Hon Farouk Aliu Mahama, MP, Yendi and Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Hon), MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, among about fourteen others.
JFK, was said to have written to Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, maybe to ask him to caution his boys and girls.
In my opinion, JFK, must rather invite the following, who have openly declared their intention to go become flag bearer for the NPP, when the whistle has not yet been blown. The list include, Joe Ghartey, Kwabena Agyapong, Addai Nimo, Konadu Apraku, Kennedy Agyapong and Boakye Agyarko.
These fine gentlemen have openly declared their intention to go for the flag bearer slot. As we are all aware, three gentlemen have not openly spoken on this issue, they are, Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Hon Dr Afriyie Akoto and H.E. Dr. Bawumia. So, if some people are making noise in support of any of these three, why should there be a letter of caution?
In my opinion, the Party must allow for campaigns and declarations on behalf of aspirants six months before the internal elections begin. Whatever havoc is anticipated when such activities start early, will surely come even if three months are allowed.
The rule of law in NPP must be made to work, but they must be laws that will give some flexibilities.
By Hon. Daniel Dugan
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.
