Sammy Crabbe says NPP intolerance is driving talented members away

Sammy Crabbe, the National Chairman aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed concern over the perceived decline in openness and intellectual engagement within the party. Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr Crabbe noted that the shrinking space for debate and differing views has led some talented members to join the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr Crabbe pointed out that the NPP used to provide greater freedom for members to engage, think independently, and challenge ideas. He lamented, "Within the NPP there was kind of freedom. There was a latitude. You engage, and then you think, and, you know, you try to make your way through it. Yes, it is less so now, unfortunately."

Changes in the handling of the party's constitution, he suggested, also played a role in the decrease in participation among some members. Mr Crabbe stated, "I think that the culture was radically changed, you know, the way we even attacked our constitution. It in itself made good people move away, be scared to really engage and drive it."

Despite acknowledging that the NPP still possesses individuals with considerable knowledge and expertise, Crabbe highlighted the challenge in organizing this knowledge and channeling it effectively. He questioned, "They are good people; I can see knowledge. I can feel it. When you talk to people, they have a lot of knowledge, but how do you organise this knowledge? How do you put it out objectively?"

Mr Crabbe further attributed the loss of some members to the NDC to a growing intolerance within the party. He said, "So we created a lot of space, and people could challenge and argue. And I think that space has been narrowed. And there’s a lot of intolerance."

He also noted that some former NPP members who moved to the NDC have since risen to prominence within the opposition party. Crabbe remarked, "So people move from our party, and they move on to the NDC. And then they are the star performers."