Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, the Chairman of the Council of Elders for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has voiced his concerns about the party's current situation leading up to the presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, November 4.
At a meeting of the Council of Elders held at the Alisa Hotel, Mr. Owusu-Agyemang openly expressed his worries that personal interests might be overshadowing the party's shared objectives.
The NPP is gearing up to choose its flagbearer for the 2024 elections, and this race has sparked considerable enthusiasm within the party, with four prominent members competing for this position.
In a statement that resonated with many party members, Mr Owusu-Agyemang remarked “We've allowed our selfish interests to overshadow our common goal of party unity.”
Mr Owusu-Agyemang, a seasoned figure in Ghanaian politics and a former Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, stressed the importance of party members keeping in mind the broader objective of achieving a significant victory.
He urged them to focus on the fundamental principles and values that have guided the NPP over the years, rather than personal ambitions.
Mr Owusu-Agyemang acknowledged that the race for the flagbearer position has, at times, led to passionate debates and disagreements within the party and among supporters of the presidential candidates.
Nonetheless, he called on all presidential aspirants to avoid division and strive for unity after Saturday's presidential primary.
In the upcoming presidential primary, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is the frontrunner. His main rival is Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central.
Also contending for the flagbearer position are former Minister for Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP, Francis Addai-Nimoh.