NPP Flagbearer Race: Reckless Politics Threatens Occasion Harmony – Kozie Warns

Introduction

In the run‑up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) internal selection of a presidential candidate, a senior aide to former Vice‑President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has raised a stark alarm. Akosua Asaa Manu, widely known as Kozie, cautioned that “reckless politics, false information and emerging anti‑party behaviour” could destabilise the party’s internal contest and jeopardise national harmony. Her remarks, published on Life Pulse Daily on 17 December 2025, come at a moment when the NPP is preparing to choose its flagbearer for the 2028 general election. This article unpacks the warning, places it within the broader political landscape, analyses its potential consequences, and offers practical guidance for stakeholders who wish to preserve decorum and public trust.

Key Points

Background

Who Is Akosua Asaa Manu (Kozie)?

Akosua Asaa Manu serves as a Special Aide to former Vice‑President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. In that capacity, she has been a vocal advocate for Bawumia’s policy vision and has frequently engaged with party members and the public through social media. Her public profile rose during the 2024 parliamentary campaign in the Adentan Constituency, where she was noted for her articulate defence of the party’s agenda.

History of the NPP Internal Contest

Since its formation in 1992, the NPP has regularly conducted internal elections to select presidential candidates. Past contests have ranged from relatively smooth processes to highly contentious battles that sometimes spilled into public disputes. The current race follows a pattern of heightened media scrutiny, with social platforms amplifying both supportive and critical voices.

Role of the Asantehene and Mediation Efforts

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been enlisted to mediate disputes within the party. Traditional leaders in Ghana wield considerable moral authority, and their involvement is often seen as a neutral arbiter in partisan conflicts. However, Kozie alleged that some party actors have misused the Asantehene’s mediation platform to launch attacks against Dr. Bawumia, thereby politicising a respected cultural figure.

Previous Instances of Reckless Politics in Ghanaian Parties

Scholars of Ghanaian politics note that reckless campaigning — characterised by misinformation, ethnic framing, and personal slander — has precedent in both the NPP and its main rival, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Instances such as the 2012 and 2016 election cycles illustrate how partisan rhetoric can sometimes undermine national cohesion, prompting civil society and traditional authorities to call for restraint.

Analysis

Assessing the Threat to Party Harmony

Kozie’s warning suggests that reckless political tactics could fracture the NPP’s internal cohesion, leading to a fragmented party front during the general election. When party members resort to baseless accusations or ethnic insinuations, trust among members erodes, making consensus‑building more difficult. This erosion may also spill over into broader public perception, causing voters to question the party’s commitment to unity.

Impact on Electoral Prospects

Electoral success in Ghana often depends on a party’s ability to present a united front. If the flagbearer selection process is marred by accusations of unfair targeting or misinformation, the resulting candidate may inherit a weakened organisational structure. Historical data indicate that parties that experience internal discord during candidate selection tend to perform poorly in subsequent elections, as voter confidence wanes.

Ethical Dimensions of Campaign Tactics

Ethically, political campaigns are expected to focus on policy proposals, governance competence, and vision for the future. Invoking an individual’s ethnic background for political leverage breaches widely accepted norms of fairness and respect. Such tactics not only violate the spirit of democratic discourse but also risk inflaming societal cleavages that could have long‑term repercussions for national stability.

Legal Considerations and Potential Liabilities

While Ghana’s electoral law does not criminalise all forms of political criticism, the propagation of false statements that could incite violence or hatred may fall under the Public Order Act and the Criminal Offences Act. Public figures who knowingly spread unverified claims could face civil liability for defamation. Moreover, the use of a respected traditional leader’s name for partisan attacks may attract scrutiny from the Office of the Attorney-General if it is deemed to undermine public order.

Practical Advice

For Party Stakeholders

Party officials should prioritise transparent communication channels that encourage constructive dialogue over speculation. Establishing an independent monitoring committee to fact‑check circulating narratives can mitigate the spread of misinformation. Additionally, party leaders must reinforce a culture of discipline by reminding members that the ultimate goal is electoral victory built on mutual respect.

For Media and Information Platforms

Journalists and digital platforms bear a responsibility to verify sources before publishing politically sensitive content. Fact‑checking organisations can play a pivotal role in debunking false claims that aim to manipulate public opinion. Readers are encouraged to cross‑reference stories with reputable outlets and to seek clarification when encountering ambiguous or sensationalist statements.

For Voters and Civil Society

Voters should approach campaign rhetoric with a critical mindset, demanding evidence for allegations made against candidates. Civil society groups can organise forums that promote issue‑based discussions, thereby shifting focus away from personal attacks. By holding candidates accountable for the tenor of their campaigns, citizens can help preserve a healthier political environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “reckless politics” mean in this context?

In Kozie’s usage, “reckless politics” refers to the intentional deployment of unverified, inflammatory, or ethnically charged narratives to gain short‑term political advantage, even at the expense of party unity and national harmony.

How might the NPP flagbearer race affect national cohesion?

If the contest devolves into personal vilification or ethnic scapegoating, it could exacerbate societal divisions, undermining the sense of shared purpose that is essential for Ghana’s democratic stability. A fractured party platform may also reflect and amplify broader public mistrust.

What role does the Asantehene play in mediating party disputes?

The Asantehene serves as a respected cultural authority whose mediation is traditionally viewed as impartial. While his involvement can lend credibility to conflict resolution, any perception that he is being used for partisan ends may diminish his moral authority and provoke public backlash.

Are there any legal repercussions for spreading false information during the contest?

Yes. Disseminating false statements that could incite violence, hatred, or public disorder may contravene Ghana’s Public Order Act and defamation laws. Public figures who knowingly propagate such misinformation could face civil suits or criminal investigation, depending on the severity and impact of the statements.

When will the NPP officially nominate its presidential candidate?

According to publicly available statements from party officials, the NPP intends to finalize its flagbearer within the next few weeks, positioning the chosen candidate for the 2028 general election.

Conclusion

The warning issued by Akosua Asaa Manu (Kozie) serves as a timely reminder that the integrity of political competition hinges on adherence to ethical standards, factual accuracy, and respect for national unity. As the NPP moves closer to selecting its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections, the manner in which the internal contest is conducted will have ripple effects on party cohesion, public confidence, and potentially on Ghana’s legal landscape. Stakeholders — including party officials, media practitioners, and ordinary citizens — must collectively reject reckless tactics and champion a campaign discourse that is issue‑focused, transparent, and respectful. By doing so, the NPP can safeguard its reputation, uphold democratic norms, and contribute to a more stable political environment for all Ghanaians.