Let’s accept the reality and move along – Mike Oquaye on NPP’s decision to make flagbearer party leader

Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has dismissed claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) requires a leader specifically tailored to appeal to Ghana's middle class. He emphasized that the NPP is not confined to serving only the middle-class citizens but has historically catered to individuals across various social groups.

During an interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on October 5, Professor Oquaye was questioned about the impact of John Boadu's election as party chairman on reconnecting the NPP with the middle class. The inquiry stemmed from the perception that the NPP had traditionally garnered more support from the middle class but lost ground following the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, which critics argued contributed to the party's defeat in the 2024 general election.

Consequently, some supporters proposed that candidates like Boakye Agyarko or Paul Afoko might have been more effective in re-engaging the middle class. Professor Oquaye countered the notion of a clear divide between the middle and lower classes when evaluating the NPP's political appeal. He stated, "Middle class, lower class, that is the party of the NPP."

He highlighted the NPP's track record of implementing social intervention programs aimed at enhancing the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The free health policy, which faced opposition from the NDC when initially proposed, and the introduction of free Senior High School education under the NPP are cited as examples. However, Professor Oquaye expressed concern over the current state of the Free SHS program, noting that it was "spiritually collapsed," with more than 50,000 students struggling to secure placements and parents unable to afford school fees.

Despite his criticism, he maintained that the NPP's political appeal should not be limited to one economic group, asserting that the party caters to all social classes. He defended John Boadu's ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of Ghanaian society, despite concerns about his grassroots background potentially alienating middle-class voters.

Professor Oquaye highlighted that the NPP's challenge lies not in a shortage of capable leaders but in having too many qualified individuals to choose from. He stated, "Our issue really is we have too many qualified people from top to bottom." When asked if his comments implied the NPP should reposition itself as a party for all Ghanaians, Professor Oquaye agreed, emphasizing that the party's strength lies in its capacity to address the needs of people at different economic levels.

He explained that the NPP understands how to meet the needs of lower-income groups while also creating opportunities for them to improve their economic circumstances. "We know how to be able to satisfy the needs of the lower classes. Now, we know how to acquire," he said. He further argued that economic empowerment is essential for individuals to take on broader responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

"If the person himself is not capable of rising above anything, how can that person take care of you?" he questioned. He concluded by highlighting the NPP's social interventions, such as school feeding programs, as evidence of the party's commitment to addressing some of the basic challenges facing Ghanaians.