Ghana’s Political Giants Navigate Internal Tensions and Strategic Positioning Ahead of Future Polls

As Ghana’s political landscape shifts toward future electoral cycles, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are facing significant internal challenges centered on leadership conduct, grassroots loyalty, and strategic preparation. The NPP is currently being cautioned against the "arrogance of power" through traditional folklore, while the NDC is grappling with a growing rift between high-ranking appointees and the party’s footsoldiers. These internal dynamics emerge at a critical time as both parties seek to solidify their bases and refine their messaging for the 2028 general elections.

For the NPP, the focus has turned to the behavioral traits necessary to retain power under the leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Using the folklore of Kootwi Amansah the Lion, commentator Socrate Safo warned that aggressive and intolerant rhetoric from party insiders could alienate the broader electorate, just as the Lion's aggressive dance at a funeral drove away mourners. Parallel to these warnings, former MP George Mireku Duker has sought to dampen internal distractions by distancing himself from 2028 running mate speculations, affirming that the choice remains the sole prerogative of the flagbearer. On the organizational front, chairmanship hopeful Awentami Paul Afoko has moved to strengthen party infrastructure by donating GH₵30,000 and 400 bags of cement for a new Northern Regional office under his vision to "Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture."

Within the NDC, tensions have flared as prominent operative James Agbey launched a scathing critique of government appointees, accusing them of displaying "arrogance and disdain" toward the party's grassroots supporters. Agbey specifically called out officials such as Kwesi Afrey Biney of SSNIT for being inaccessible to the activists who secured the party's influence. This sentiment of internal discord was echoed by veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr, who expressed concern that internal power struggles and premature succession ambitions are undermining President John Dramani Mahama’s "reset" agenda. Pratt warned that such divisions prioritize individual political futures over collective governance, potentially tarnishing the party's image and legacy.

Amidst these frictions, the NDC is also attempting to realign with its founding principles by launching "NDC Month" to commemorate the June 4 Uprising. General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey emphasized that the month-long celebrations, featuring lectures on patriotism and accountability, are intended to strengthen state institutions and restore the party’s traditional values. As both parties navigate these internal hurdles—ranging from grassroots neglect to the perils of political pride—their success in future elections will likely depend on their ability to foster humility, maintain discipline, and ensure that leadership remains connected to the aspirations of their supporters.