By: Prince Adjei – Guy Gee
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has finally drawn a line under long-standing claims that it is an Akan-dominated party. Speaking at a Minority Caucus Workshop held at the Rock City Hotel in Kwahu, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declared that the party has put the “Akan Party” tag to rest once and for all.
The former President, who was attending the workshop alongside Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, commended the 88-member NPP Minority in Parliament for their dedication and performance during the first sitting of the 9th Parliament.
He drew a powerful comparison between the current group and the 61 NPP MPs who formed the minority in 1997. Led by the late J.H. Mensah, that team fought hard and laid the foundation that brought the party back to power in 2000. President Akufo-Addo encouraged the current MPs to emulate that example by focusing on winning the debate in Parliament, not just the vote.
In what appeared to be the most striking moment of his remarks, he addressed the party’s longstanding identity narrative. Referring to the party’s decision to present Dr. Bawumia as it’s presidential candidate for the 2024 election, he said after presenting Dr. Bawumia, we ended the narrative that the NPP is an Akan party. Going forward, no one can accuse us. It is finished.
Dr. Bawumia, in brief remarks, expressed his appreciation for the support of the caucus and encouraged members to remain focused and united in the party’s long-term vision.
Also addressing the gathering was Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong. In a calm and reflective 30-minute speech, he praised the caucus for their hard work so far. Drawing on his experience as a six-term MP and member of the Defense and Interior Committee, he reminded members of the three key roles of a parliamentarian — performance in the chamber, at the committee level, and in the constituency. He also emphasized the need for unity within the party to ensure victory in 2028.
The Kwahu workshop provided a rare moment of reflection, strategy, and renewed purpose. With major party figures present and clear messages delivered, it marked a critical step toward rebuilding for the future.
