Stephen Ntim
In our traditional settings, it is widely held that two wise persons do not live under the same roof. For same reason, any human interface risks collapse, if those so engaged refuse to compromise on any issue. And particularly for political parties with large following, this belief holds true for the semblance of peace and unity to carry out their activities.
The ugly noises coming from the stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), among some of the notable characters forbid successful electoral gains in the region.
It is unfortunate that these characters at each other’s throats, particularly attacking their kingpin, Chairman Wontumi are not using the precious time to win more voters to the side of the NPP. To such people, especially Chairman Tom Tom, we leave them with this counsel from the Scriptures; Colossians 3: 8, “But now ye also put off these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Beyond this admonition, we think it is imperative for the party leadership to craft a code of conduct for all officers and, indeed, all members to guide their actions going into the general election.
The party would need a central communication strategy to ensure that everybody who speaks on behalf of the NPP stays within the boundaries of the party values and, especially, the objectives of ‘breaking the eight’.
These rumblings in the party relate to the prerogative of the Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP to nominate a running mate.
Although the rules are very clear about the selection of a running mate, some of the party members want that exercise to be fiercer than the presidential primaries. If not because holes have developed in the ant hills for which reason all creatures can gain entry, who born dog for anybody to stand in the public to declare a showdown with the President and the Vice President?
Democracy gives voice to everybody to participate in the decision making process. However, democracy is governed by rules and that is why we have always insisted that only sane voices are allowed into this public space.
Anything to the contrary, would result in the situation where a Constituency Chairman in the Ashanti Region can be daring his Regional Chairman without any consequences. We dare say that the soul of the party is in the hands of Stephen Ntim and his team and we are certain they dread life in opposition. If they really care, then we want to see action from them to stop the nonsense and reckless utterances from the Ashanti Region.
We know Ashanti Region is the stronghold of the NPP, but that is not a licence for some elements there to hold the party at ransom. Politicians detest opposition, but if that happens, it does not end the life of the politician.
We are also concerned that in the midst of the ugly noises from Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo), MP for Manhyia South and arguably, the frontrunner for running mate is yet to say anything.
These elements in Manhyia South claim to be speaking for you, and we remind you that your loud silence is being taken to be consent for the dangerously divisive traits of Tom Tom and his gang who are on the mission to create challenges for Dr. Bawumia’s bid to be President.
Instead of using the opportunities they get on media platforms to sell the vision of Dr. Bawumia, they prefer to use it to sow seeds of discord in the party. We urge Dr. Bawumia to be fair and firm in his role as leader of the party now and send the strong message across the rank and file of the party nationwide that underlying his persona as a humble person is the strong character that has zero tolerance for indiscipline.
These days we have the penchant to declare war on any action that would stand on our way to progress. “From today to go” all dissonance voices must cease fire as that route is dotted with landmines.
There are many ugly voices today finding space elsewhere, especially in the NDC and so-called movements opposed to Dr. Bawumia’s presidency, and if Tom Tom and his group are part of the opponents of the breaking the eight agenda, they better declare their stand instead of behaving like wolves in sheep’s clothing.
We urge all well-meaning party faithful who are determined to help Dr. Bawumia make history to get up to be counted in the coming epoch event on December 7, 2024. Those for that agenda are in millions and never should they allow Tom Tom and his allies to stand in the way of the collective.