When Two Giants Speak: What Will Kufuor and Akufo-Addo Tell Us This Time?
A few years ago, I found myself glued to my tiny old radio (you know, the one with the half-broken antenna) listening to President Kufuor give a speech. I remember the way his calm, measured voice made politics feel… almost comforting. Fast forward to today, and I’m scrolling through my phone in a noisy coffee shop, reading that both Kufuor and Akufo-Addo will be addressing the NPP Delegates Congress virtually this Saturday. Honestly, part of me wonders — what do they have to say now that’ll really stick with us?
I mean, think about it. Two men who, in many ways, define the New Patriotic Party’s past and present. One represents the party’s more old-school, almost fatherly figure — Kufuor always struck me as the “Papa J” of the NPP (minus the Rawlings firebrand vibes). Then there’s Akufo-Addo — more fiery, more direct, and, well, he’s still in the hot seat.
But here’s the thing — this address is virtual. That alone says a lot about how politics, like everything else, has been forced to adapt. I’m guessing they’ll talk about unity. They always do. Maybe they’ll drop a few subtle lines about legacy. Who’s going to carry the flag next. Who shouldn’t. (I’d bet my last cold brew that some delegates will be side-eyeing their phones, reading between every line.)
In my opinion — and hey, I may be wrong — this is less about what they’ll say and more about what they won’t say out loud. Party tensions simmer under the surface, especially with the 2024 elections still echoing and 2028 on the horizon. A virtual speech is safe. No awkward heckles from the crowd. No cameras panning to stone-faced big men whispering behind their hands.
Sometimes, I wonder if these old political titans really know what today’s young party faithful want to hear. It’s not just about fancy slogans anymore. People are feeling the pinch — school fees, transport fares, rent that eats your entire paycheck. You can’t sweep that under the carpet with another “We must come together” line.
Still, maybe — just maybe — they’ll surprise us. Maybe there’ll be that one line that makes the delegates at home nod, sip their tea, and say, “Ah, this is why we still believe.” Or maybe folks will just clap politely, then get back to plotting their next moves on WhatsApp groups. Politics is a funny beast.
Anyway, come Saturday, I’ll probably tune in again — half-listening while I scroll Instagram or do the dishes. I guess there’s something reassuring about hearing from the men who helped shape the party’s story. But in this age of TikTok politics and microwave opinions, I can’t help but wonder — do these big speeches still matter like they used to? Or are we just stuck in nostalgia, hoping to hear something new from voices that have said it all before?
What do you think — will the old guards’ words still carry weight, or have we outgrown those fireside chats?