Musah Superior writes;
This “no one has funded the party more than me” pitch is not only false, it is a POOR mentality
A video making the rounds shows an aspiring presidential candidate in the forthcoming NPP primaries, Bryan Acheampong boldly declaring that “there is no one in the NPP who has funded the Party more than me” — as though this alone should qualify him for our party’s highest honour. This posturing is not only disappointing, it is fundamentally misguided.
Leadership of the NPP — and ultimately the Republic of Ghana — can not be reduced to a cheque-writing contest. Since 1992, our flagbearers have not been chosen on the basis of who bankrolled the party most. Prof. Adu Boahen, President J.A. Kufuor, President Akufo-Addo, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia all rose to lead not because of deep pockets, but because they embodied the very qualities our tradition demands: vision, humility, intellect, emotional intelligence, problem-solving ability, national appeal, and an unshakable commitment to the service of party and country.
To stand before party faithful and say “make me flagbearer because I am the financier” is to display a dangerous mix of arrogance and a shallow grasp of our democratic values. The NPP’s strength has never been money. It has been the COLLECTIVE sweat, sacrifices, and modest generosity of thousands — polling station executives, grassroots organisers, communicators, footsoldiers and volunteers — all of whom have worked limitlessly to keep the great elephant party alive, well and competetive.
The likes of R R Amponsah, B J da Rocha, J A Kufuor, Alhaji Salifu COP, J A Addison, Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Aliu Mahama just to mention a few were the real funders of the party. They demonstrated loyalty and commitment and executed their tasks remarkably during the infant and most difficult period of the transition which was supervised by a grim dictator (Jerry John Rawlings) who watched with eagle eyes and an iron fist seeking persons participating in the activities of the newly formed NPP. These brave and determined DBD traditionalists stood firm and did not yield. Some of them died unrewarded.
I will edit a paraphrase of Tywin Lannister’s wisdom in the Game of Thrones Series as: “Any man who must say ‘I am the financier of the NPP’ is no true financier.” True financiers don’t need to declare it; their work and loyalty speak louder than any speech.
We must reject any narrative that suggests only the wealthy deserve to lead our party. Even our rivals in the NDC have had flagbearers like Jerry John Rawlings, Prof. John Atta Mills, and John Mahama — none of whom were the richest men in their party. That example gives hope to every young Ghanaian, regardless of their bank account, that leadership is earned, not bought.
The NPP must remain meritocratic — where leadership is won by ideas, character, and competence — not a trophy awarded to the highest bidder.
Our values and principles are most important to us a a party; and we must live in accordance with them.
