The Concerned Patriots for Change of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have made a bold call for immediate reforms within the party following a crushing defeat in the recent 2024 general elections.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the group, led by Gbande Nabin Yussif, expressed deep concern over the leadership’s failure to develop and implement a winning strategy. The group condemned the poor planning, disorganization, and lack of accountability that led to the party’s significant loss at the polls.
“We stand before you today with a sense of urgency and a resolute determination to salvage the future of our great party. The NPP has failed to chart a path for success. It is time for change,” Yussif said.
The Concerned Patriots for Change are demanding the immediate dissolution of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the establishment of an interim committee to manage the party’s affairs until a new congress is held. The group also called for the resignation of all campaign heads, citing their role in undermining the trust of party members and voters.
One of the key points raised by the group was the alleged mismanagement of campaign funds, including the GHS 300 million reportedly expended without clear impact. There are also allegations of the misappropriation of funds designated for grassroots mobilization, which, according to the group, could have significantly boosted the party’s chances in the election.
“We demand a comprehensive and independent investigation into the root causes of this defeat. We want transparency, accountability, and to know what went wrong,” Yussif emphasized.
The group also highlighted the damaging effect of internal divisions, particularly the dismissal and suspension of influential party figures, including Hon. Alan Kyerematen, Hon. Paul Afoko, and Hon. Boniface Sadiq. These actions, they argue, have weakened the party’s collective strength.
“We must recall all suspended and dismissed members to foster reconciliation. If the National Democratic Congress (NDC) can integrate defectors, the NPP must rise above grudges and rebuild its unity,” Yussif stated.
The Concerned Patriots for Change are calling for an internal review to identify the root causes of these divisions and to establish safeguards to prevent such issues in the future. They urged the leadership to immediately reinstate all dismissed members and form a reconciliation committee.
The group’s frustration with the current leadership was further underscored by their demand for an early congress to elect new leaders. They called on the National Council of Elders and the NEC to urgently release a timeline for internal elections, emphasizing that the same individuals responsible for the party’s current crisis should not remain in charge.
“We need new leaders who can bring fresh perspectives and energy. We cannot afford to wait for another election cycle with the same leadership in place,” Yussif added.
In addition to calls for leadership change, the Concerned Patriots for Change are pushing for a review of the NPP’s constitution to address systemic flaws that they believe hinder the party’s progress. Key reforms include the reintroduction of the card system to maintain an accurate membership database, expansion of the electoral college to allow all card-bearing members to vote, and the compilation of a new voter album to enhance transparency in the party’s electoral processes.
“Reforms are not optional; they are a lifeline for our party’s survival,” Yussif concluded.
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