Break Your Silence –Daavi Ama Tells NPP Founding Fathers
The former Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Madam Gifty Aryee, popularly known as Daavi Ama, has urged the party’s founding members and elders to break their silence over what she describes as developments threatening the traditions of the party. She expressed concern about what she considers the growing influence of newcomers at the […] The post Break Your Silence –Daavi Ama Tells NPP…
Daavi Ama, the former Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a veteran member, has called on the party’s founding members and leaders to break their silence regarding what she perceives as threats to the party’s traditions. Ama expressed her concern over the growing influence of newer members, stating that their presence is eroding the party’s culture of merit and experience.
In an interview with The Chronicle, she criticized the NPP for frequently appointing newcomers, often linked by freebies rather than their skills or contributions.
Ama highlighted the lack of understanding among current party members about the challenges faced during the party’s formation. She urged the party’s elders, particularly the Council of Elders, to speak up on internal matters and share their wisdom to preserve the party’s institutional memory. She questioned why veteran members like Kwadwo Mpiani, Kwame Pianim, and Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe are reluctant to comment on NPP’s internal issues.
Recalling the time when several prominent figures vied for leadership in 1992, Ama emphasized the importance of learning from the past. During that period, the party’s pioneers navigated difficult political circumstances, and her lecture by Prof Adu Boahen at the British Council Hall challenged the prevailing "culture of silence" in the country. Ama, who was present at the Legon Great Hall, recalled the sacrifices made by the party’s early leaders and urged their voices to be heard now.
Regarding the NPP’s shift from an intellectual party to one dominated by cronyism and personal relationships, Ama admitted that while the party had not entirely abandoned its intellectual roots, it had indeed become less meritocratic. She cited her experience under former President John Agyekum Kufuor as an example of a more fair approach to party politics.
Kufuor appointed her to the National Media Commission despite their opposing views during the presidential primaries, and several other members also came together to support him after his election.
Ama also pointed to the roles of other influential figures, including Madam Esther Ofori, Ghana’s ex-ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, and the Obetsebi-Lamptey family, highlighting their dedication to the party. She criticized the recent defeat of Richard Ahiagbah, the former NPP Communications Director, in the party’s leadership elections, suggesting that the diminishing presence of Voltarians in the party’s leadership might have contributed to his loss.
Lastly, Ama raised concerns about the constitutional amendment adopted at the NPP’s National Delegates Conference, which now designates the elected presidential candidate as the party’s leader. She expressed no personal objection to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate, but questioned the process by which the amendment was introduced and approved. Ama emphasized the need for more thorough discussion and debate on such changes at various levels before they are ratified.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
