The Concerned Patriots of Change, a faction aligned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for the immediate dissolution of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, the group’s convener, Mr. Gbande Nabin Yussif, described the election loss as “one of the darkest moments in the history of our party.” He attributed the defeat to poor leadership and called for the resignation of the NEC, along with all campaign heads.
Call for Interim Leadership
The group proposed the formation of an interim committee to manage the party’s affairs until congress can elect new leaders. This, they argued, would provide an opportunity to “chart a fresh course” for the party.
Mr. Yussif criticized the NEC for its lack of strategy, disorganization, and mismanagement, which he said led to the party’s “crushing defeat” on Election Day.
“Their abdication of responsibility has eroded the trust of party members and the Ghanaian electorate,” he asserted.
Independent Investigation and Accountability
The group also demanded a comprehensive, independent investigation into the causes of the election loss and the alleged mismanagement of campaign funds.
“Key party stalwarts who could have provided valuable counsel were sidelined during critical moments,” Mr. Yussif said. “Leadership demonstrated incompetence, inexperience, and blatant disregard for the concerns of grassroots members.”
He urged that the findings of the investigation be made public to ensure transparency, restore trust, and begin the healing process within the party.
Calls for Reconciliation
The Concerned Patriots of Change called for the reinstatement of dismissed and suspended members to foster unity and participation in party activities. They also suggested forming a reconciliation committee to bridge the divide between leadership and grassroots members.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” Mr. Yussif emphasized. “We cannot afford to remain divided. The time for healing is now.”
Leadership and Constitutional Reforms
The group urged the NPP’s National Council of Elders and NEC to draft a timeline for internal elections to replace what they described as “failed leadership.”
“Keeping the same individuals responsible for this crisis in charge is like compounding the problem,” they said. “New leaders will bring fresh perspectives, energy, and commitment to prepare for the next election cycle.”
They also proposed reforms to the party’s constitution to address systemic issues, including reintroducing the ‘card system’ to maintain an accurate membership database and expanding the Electoral College to allow all card-bearing members to vote for party executives.
A Call for Unity and Renewal
Mr. Yussif concluded with an appeal to the party’s stakeholders to embrace bold reforms to rebuild the NPP and regain the trust of Ghanaians.
“Let us take the necessary steps to restructure and restore the NPP to its rightful place as a beacon of progress and prosperity,” he stated.
The group’s recommendations aim to address internal challenges and set the stage for a stronger, more united party ahead of future elections.
