Is The New Patriotic Patriotic Party (NPP) Presenting New Problematic Practices (NPP)?

Politics makes news. And political manoeuvrings and suspense make even thrilling news. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is making a lot of news of late. This news may be good news for their opponents but does not sound pleasant in the ears of Ghanaians who want to see some more orderliness and discretion in political organizations.

Members of the NPP like to remind people(who wilfully forget) that their party is a truly democratic party. And evidently it is. With its exemplary democratic ideals and structures, it has bolstered its image in Ghana and beyond. Little wonder that it is one of the two dominant parties in Ghana. Its history since 1992 is further evidence of its good image as a disciplined, power-hungry party.

Arguably, one of its most enviable democratic structures is the expanded Electoral College. The NPP increased its electoral college from about ?2400 delegates to about ?120 000 delegates. This feat has ensured that there is greater grass roots participation. This ultimately confers a more acceptable legitimacy on elected officials of the party.

But this expansion is proving to be an albatross around the political neck of the party. It appears it is a resource- depriving college sucking badly needed resources of a resource-challenged party in a financially-challenged economy. The resources are needed to run an effective campaign in order to wrestle power from the governing party. And power is the ultimate goal of a political party. Power is beneficial to all in a party. That is why the former president, H.E. John Kufuor, put it lucidly and forcefully that it is preferable to be a cleaner in a party in power than to be a general secretary of a party in opposition. He didn't need to say more; it was loud and clear.

The call to allow a candidate who secures 68% or better in the upcoming super-delegate election (to choose five out of the seven vying for the 'flagbearership' position) to become the flag bearer so as to avoid organizing the prescribed election is telling. Those rooting for it say it will save the party much-needed resources. But others say it is an attempt to circumvent the party's constitution andfavor a particular candidate. The talk of resources shows how expensive the expanded electoral college has become.

In any case, the crux of such discussions in the media is that it is negative press. It worsens the disgrace the party wrought from its 'showdown at Asylum Down' incident. It makes one pose the question: ' So if in opposition they can't put their house in order, can they put the country in order if they win power?

The NPP is going through challenges like every organization does but members will do themselves and Ghanaians a lot of good if they control their proclivity to run to the media. There must be a little more restraint. The media battles suggest a party unable to resolve its disagreements promptly and in-house. And it can be frustrating to see that the most potent challenge to the ruling party is struggling to put itself in order even in opposition. If certain new practices are problematic, they should be reconsidered as a united front. Ghana needs a New Patriotic Party completely at peace with itself.

Good luck, NPP!!!