Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament have been overwhelmingly commended for their dedication to the main opposition party and their firm commitment to hold government accountable to Ghanaians.
The NPP MPs have also been praised for living up to the expectation of majority of Ghanaians for keeping the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) on its toes to ensure the Mahama administration does not renege on its social contract with the people.
Speaking at a Minority Caucus’ retreat held at the Rock City Hotel, Nkwatia, in the Eastern Region, NPP bigwigs including former President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Local Government Minister Dan Botwe; and former presidential aspirants Kennedy Agyapong and Boakye Agyarko all took turns to eulogise the lawmakers for their exemplary performance in the legislature.
The four-day retreat was aimed at equipping members of the NPP Caucus with strategies to enhance parliamentary effectiveness, strengthen the relationship between the caucus and party leadership; and to build a unified and effective caucus among others.
Resourced persons included former First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, former MP for Okere Dan Botwe, former MP for Akuapem South O. B. Amoah and celebrated journalist Kwaku Sakyi-Addo.
Former Vice President and NPP presidential candidate for the 2024 general election took the opportunity to commend the back benchers/first timers who have sent shock waves throughout the country with their sterling performance.
“You have qualitatively proven your inclusion. I also appreciate the leadership and continuing MPs for giving the back benchers the platform to shine. This is the kind of unity of purpose and understanding that we need to win elections once again,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia told the lawmakers that in the battle going forward, it is evidently clear that the most formidable wing the NPP has to be able to fly over 2028 is the Parliamentary caucus.
“Already, you have proven yourself in the last few months of the 9th Parliament to the admiration of the base of the party. Your dedication and diligence in keeping the NDC government on their toes have been highly commendable,” the 2024 presidential candidate commended the NPP MPs.
Many, he pointed out, have likened the current NPP caucus to the Minority of the 2nd Parliament led by the legendary J. H. Mensah.
“The party will forever be grateful to you. I call you The Mighty Minority of 88 Infantry Battalion, commanded by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin,” Dr. Bawumia added.
Call for unity
Former Vice President Bawumia called for NPP’s unity ahead of the next general election in 2028.
“What we need most at this point is unity. During the run-up to the last election internally, we were too viscous against each other. Later, this division is part of the arsenal our opponents use against us,” Dr. Bawumia decried.
He gave the teeming NPP supporters hope in their quest to recapture power in 2029.
“Sometimes, I hear people ask, ‘where do we start from’. The words of President Kufuor always ring in my mind. He told me after the defeat that in 1996, when he had 39%, he too wondered where to start from. But with unity behind him and hard work in just 4 years, we crossed 50%.
“In the last election, we got 41%. I’m thus confident that in unity and common purpose in less than 4 years, Ghanaians will take a decision to bring us back at the 2028 polls,” Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism.
