Former Second National Vice Chair of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Crabbe, has dismissed the party’s ongoing restructuring and unity efforts, arguing that they are unlikely to succeed.
The NPP has been grappling with internal divisions and structural challenges following its heavy defeat in the 2024 general elections. In response, the party granted amnesty to previously suspended members, invited them back, and approved 54 motions during its National Delegates Conference on Saturday, July 19, aimed at refining structures and policies ahead of the 2028 elections. The delegate base has also been expanded to elect its presidential flagbearer in January 2026.
Speaking on TV3, Mr. Crabbe was blunt about the party’s efforts.
“No, it won’t work. I don’t care what anybody says,” he declared.
He argued that the leadership lacks the capacity and experience to successfully implement the restructuring agenda.
“When this party was being constructed, I was very young but I followed them. I saw the party being built firsthand. And I am saying that a lot of the people there have no clue, and even if they read it, they don’t really know how to get it done. Their background, educational and professional experience, and even their time within the party have not prepared them to handle something of this magnitude,” he explained.
He emphasized that the party requires leaders who can diagnose problems, understand them, and mobilize members effectively. “What we have is huge, so we need serious people with the tools and ability to make it happen. It has to start with assuring every single member, regardless of their expectations or diversity. That’s a very herculean job,” he added.
Mr. Crabbe also criticized the decision to prioritize the election of a presidential flagbearer before other executives, insisting it will not foster unity.
“This requires a very deep and serious approach…bringing in a flagbearer first is not going to change anything,” he argued, describing the move as driven by a few individuals rather than addressing the party’s structural issues.
“It will never come. People have agendas. These measures do not address the structural problems in the party. Bringing in a flagbearer first is not going to work,” he stressed.
He concluded that the party’s priority should be strengthening its institutional capacity and rebuilding public trust.
“Build the institution, strengthen the party, and let people have confidence that the party will reward them. Let Ghanaians believe in the party’s management. Only then will bringing in a flagbearer transfer that trust to the new leadership,” Crabbe said.
