Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, has condemned the campaign of insults, describing it as a threat to post-flagbeareship primary unity within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). 

“Discipline is the foundation of every great organisation and without it, no party can win power, not even the NPP,” he stated.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic after his recent campaign tour of the Greater Accra Region, the Abetifi Member of Parliament (MP), who is seeking to lead his party into the next general election, said such insults were “not the NPP way.”

“We are a party that competes on ideas, not insults.

This culture of abuse between camps is uncharacteristic of who we are.

The NPP was built on discipline, respect, and the belief that power is earned through performance and persuasion, not noise,” he told the Daily Graphic in a conversation that struck a more reflective tone, focused more on values and less on slogans. 

Context

Dr Acheampong’s comments come amid growing tensions among supporters of the leading contenders in the NPP’s upcoming presidential primary.

Viral exchanges between spokespersons have at times turned personal, drawing criticism from senior figures in the party, and he did not hide his concern.

Ideas

The former Minister of State, National Security, and the most youthful in the race, argued that what the party needed now was “strong, decisive and compassionate leadership.”

“Leadership that is not afraid to crack the whip, without fear or favour.

Leadership that doesn’t hide behind insults when it suits them, but stands above factional fights for the good of the party,” he told the Daily Graphic.

Reflecting on the NPP’s internal evolution, Dr Acheampong described the current moment as a “serious transitional period.”

Shift

“For nearly three decades, the NPP has been anchored by two great leaders, namely President Kufuor and President Akufo-Addo.

This generation is the first to face the future without either of them leading us.

And in the quest to fill that space, some are forgetting the values that made us who we are,” he reminded the rank and file.

Dr Acheampong urged all candidates to conduct their campaigns in a way that preserved the party’s cohesion.

“If we continue this way, with camps tearing each other apart, how do we expect supporters of the losing candidate to rally behind the winner?

That is even one of the reasons I entered this race because the party needs someone all sides can unite behind,” the Abetifi lawmaker stated.

Asked what set him apart, Dr Acheampong pointed to his record and readiness.

“I’ve served in government, Parliament and at the grassroots.

I know how to organise, how to mobilise resources, and how to inspire people.

I believe in a disciplined, united party that speaks with one voice.

That’s how we will win 2028,” he stated.

As the NPP prepares for what could be one of its most competitive internal contests in years, Dr Acheampong said for the party to rise again, “it must first rediscover the discipline and solidarity that built it.”