John Agyekum Kufuor, a former president of Ghana, has lamented the rising factionalism within the ruling New Patriotic Party. In contrast to prior years, when levels of factionalism were lower, he claims that the current trend is having an impact on party members' dedication. The former President stated in an interview with TV3 that the occurrences do not bode well for the party because it was working in a democracy that depends on numbers.
According to Kufour, he has seen over the years how factionalism causes the party to split deeply following significant elections. There is much too much discussion about factionalism inside the NPP. Factions wouldn't be highlighted if you were discussing an inclusive democracy in its right form.
"You wouldn't be so contentious once the process of choosing, say, your preferred organisational committee, constituency, or country (is ended)... putting a focus on factions. No collaboration since he belongs to that (faction). By doing that, you divide the necessary numerical force for any democratic activity.
"You choose a leader by voting. There will be conflict and rivalries, but democracy as a whole is predicated on an even playing field for candidates and a genuine free and fair election process.
"Once you've entered the competition and the outcomes have been announced, whether they were in your favour or not, you close ranks and follow the victor.
But now, he added, "I feel like there's a split that appears to be developing after we've gone through the selection process, which shouldn't be the case."
When questioned about whether the growing factionalism may obstruct the party's advancement if left uncontrolled, Kufour highlighted the results of the 2020 parliamentary elections as evidence of the damage factionalism could do.
Naturally, it will [hinder the party's advancement]. For instance, during the most recent elections—the 2020 ones—we heard everywhere that people were planning to vote "skirt and blouse" in the national elections, which was inappropriate, and I believe that contributed to our losing seats in Parliament for the party. Dropping from 169 to 137, leading to a split Parliament and a divided Parliament in just four years, Kufour noted with concern.