NPP elder Kwasi Annan Frimpong urges party to return to UP tradition and Busia’s founding ideals

Mr. Kwasi Annan Frimpong, an elder and pioneer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns over what he describes as the party’s gradual deviation from the philosophies and ideologies upon which it was established.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to mark the 47th anniversary of the death of Ghana’s former Prime Minister, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, Mr. Annan called on the NPP to “turn back quickly and build on their roots.” He emphasised that the party was founded on the principles of the United Party (UP) tradition, particularly property-owning democracy.

“Property owning democracy doesn’t mean grabbing properties. The party must support members in owning property. Our founders knew that with that, our members would remain loyal, more responsible, and committed to party activities,” he explained. He lamented that while the NPP was originally built on love and volunteerism, these values appeared to be diminishing among current members.

Mr. Annan, who played a key role in the formation of the party in the then Brong-Ahafo Region, expressed disappointment that many pioneers and senior members had been sidelined, a situation he believes has contributed to some of the NPP’s present challenges. He urged the party to reflect on and rebuild around the ideals and vision of Dr. Busia and other founding fathers to inspire loyalty and responsibility among today’s political leaders.