Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has cautioned aspirants contesting the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership not to let personal ambition undermine party unity and long-term prospects, stressing that the NPP is greater than any individual interest.
He made the remarks at the peace pact signing ceremony for NPP presidential hopefuls ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026 primaries, describing the agreement as more than a symbolic exercise.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
According to him, the pact represents a solemn responsibility among contestants.
“It is a commitment that ambition will not override fraternity, that competition will not descend into hostility, and that once the ballot has spoken, the party will move forward as one,” he explained.
The former President reminded aspirants that their conduct before and after the internal elections will have lasting implications for the party and the country.
“Your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” he said, noting that party supporters, grassroots members, and the youth are closely observing their actions.
He warned that internal competition must not weaken the party’s collective strength.
“Let me be clear. The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he stated.
He added that no personal agenda should take precedence over the party’s survival.
“No ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” he said, referring to the party’s symbol, and urged aspirants not to allow leadership contests to divide the party.
Highlighting the importance of cohesion, Nana Akufo-Addo said unity is central to winning national elections.
“Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he stressed, urging candidates to respect the peace pact not only in signature but also in conduct.
He also called for civility in the final days of campaigning.
“Let your campaigns be firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” he urged, noting that the NPP’s tradition rejects “fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.”
The former President warned against placing allegiance to individuals above loyalty to the party.
“Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, adding that after the primaries, “there must be one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Expressing optimism about the party’s prospects, Nana Akufo-Addo said the NPP remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future” and urged members to keep the party “united, disciplined, and worthy of the trust of the Ghanaian people.”
“If we honour our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP and of Ghana herself will indeed be bright,” he concluded.
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