HEALING FROM WITHIN: WHY THE NPP MUST LEARN FROM THE NDC’S QUIET CONFLICT RESOLUTION

 By: HON.ATTAKORA

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In every political tradition, internal disagreements are inevitable. Parties are made up of people passionate individuals with different ambitions, ideologies, and strategies. But how these internal disputes are managed often determines whether a party emerges stronger or becomes weakened, disoriented, and vulnerable in the eyes of the public. As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) grapples with post-election realities, leadership transitions, and ideological crossroads, it is critical to reflect deeply on how we manage our internal challenges especially in comparison to our main rivals, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

 THE NDC'S QUIET FIRES

Contrary to public perception, the NDC has never been free of internal struggles. Leadership battles, ideological shifts, and generational tensions have all played out in their ranks. From the post-Mills era through the Mahama-Kwesi Botchwey introspections and recent power alignments within their national executives, the NDC has had its fair share of party turbulence.

Yet, what distinguishes them today is not the absence of conflict but the mature and strategic approach they have adopted in managing it. Their internal disagreements are typically handled behind closed doors. Their public posture remains largely united. There’s a visible culture of containment, where grievances are either resolved internally or managed in ways that do not destabilize the public image of the party.

MAHAMA’S SUCCESSION: THE NDC’S SILENT VOLCANO

One of the most complex political puzzles facing the NDC is the question of who succeeds John Mahama. He remains the party's most dominant and charismatic figure the anchor of their recent electoral hopes. But with time catching up, the issue of leadership transition looms large.

Inside the NDC, there are many who are eyeing the post-Mahama era youth activists, regional forces, and seasoned party technocrats. The ambition is there, the tension is real. But what’s striking is that they are managing this sensitive transition with calculated silence. There are no open confrontations, no public declarations of war, and no smear campaigns between potential successors.

This is political maturity at work. They understand the damage a premature power struggle could do to party unity. By protecting the succession debate from the public eye, the NDC preserves party cohesion and focuses on strengthening its electoral machinery.

The NPP, unfortunately, has not mastered this art. Our succession battles from Kufuor’s exit to the Akufo-Addo Alan rivalry and now the fallout from the 2024 election have all played out like public theatre. These open fights have damaged our credibility and divided our grassroots base.

 NPP’s PUBLIC SHOW OF DISUNITY

While the NDC quietly manages its internal issues, the NPP has developed a disturbing tendency of exposing its conflicts for all to see. From leaked audios and public insults to factional media attacks, the party has lost its grip on internal discipline.

The consequences are profound. Disunity weakens our political brand. It breeds mistrust, frustrates grassroots mobilization, and repels independent-minded voters who expect a united, forward-looking alternative. The Ghanaian voter, already disillusioned with the political class, is unlikely to reward a divided party with national leadership.

 THE COST OF DIVISION

Internal division doesn't just affect the party's image it destroys electoral strategy. A divided campaign struggles to fundraise, organize effectively, or present a coherent message. Worse, it hands powerful ammunition to political opponents who capitalize on confusion and mistrust within the party.

Every public outburst, every viral “leaked” tape, and every attack by party members against each other becomes a weapon for the NDC a party already mastering the art of quiet conflict resolution. If the NPP does not reform its internal culture, we may remain in opposition longer than we imagine.

 TIME FOR REFORMS AND RESTRAINT

It is time for sober reflection and serious internal reforms within the NPP. 

 We must :

1. Create trusted, internal conflict resolution structures that offer safe spaces for grievances without fear of retribution.

2. Rebuild a culture of respect and discipline from polling station executives to national leadership.

3. Stop the public spectacles. Leaders and aspirants must commit to addressing grievances internally.

4. Unify behind common goals. Whether you supported Candidate A or Candidate B, the party’s future must take precedence over personal interests.

5. Strengthen internal communication to prevent media leaks and factional messaging.

 LEARNING FROM THE NDC WITHOUT IMITATING THEM

The NDC is no stranger to conflict but they have mastered the art of silent survival. Their ability to project unity, even in the midst of disagreement, has kept them electorally competitive. The NPP must adapt. We can remain open and democratic, but with structure, strategy, and discipline.

We must understand that political perception is as important as policy. If we are seen as chaotic, arrogant, or divided, we will continue to lose public sympathy, regardless of our achievements in office.

  THE ROAD TO 2028 BEGINS NOW

Our real opponent is not just the NDC , It is disunity, apathy, and poor internal management. If we do not heal, re-strategize, and present a unified front, 2028 will not be ours to win. The Ghanaian people deserve better, and it is up to us to prove that we can offer better.

The battle is not only for political power it is a battle for the soul and survival of the New Patriotic Party. Let us not lose it from within.A word to a wise is enough!!!