‘I don’t intend to return to NPP; they lack values’ – Buaben Asamoa – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Yaw Buaben Asamoa, the General Secretary of Ghana’s United Party (UP), has made a bold statement regarding his political future: he has no intention of rejoining the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His decision reflects deep dissatisfaction with what he perceives as the NPP’s erosion of core values. This move underscores a growing tension between disillusioned former NPP members and a party accused of straying from its founding principles. Asamoa’s critique, delivered in an October 2025 interview on PleasureNews’ The Pulse, highlights broader debates about party loyalty, ideological integrity, and the evolution of Ghana’s political landscape.

Analysis

Revocating Membership Over Political Allegiances

Buaben Asamoa’s refusal to return to the NPP follows the party’s controversial decision to expel him and three others for publicly endorsing a presidential candidate other than the NPP’s chosen flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The expulsion underscores the NPP’s strict control over internal dissent, a move that Asamoa views as a betrayal of democratic principles within the party.

• Key Incident: NPP expelled members who criticized Bawumia’s candidacy.
• Implication: Parties prioritizing collective branding over individual autonomy risk alienating critical voices.

Values-Driven Departure

Asamoa argues that the modern NPP has abandoned the ethics of service, integrity, and humility that defined its earlier years. He contrasts the party’s post-2016 era with its pre-2001 identity, which drew intellectual and ideological roots from the defunct Convention People’s Party (CPP). His remarks reveal a perceived divide between the NPP’s grassroots heritage and its current leadership’s priorities.

“The celebration lost humaneness. Everyone I associate with NPP these days is flashy—people who think wealth equals merit.”

Ideological Drift and Identity Crises

The UP leader critiques the NPP’s recruitment of figures with ties to opposing parties, such as NDC-aligned spouses of top officials. He claims this compromises the party’s conservative, CPP-aligned roots, diluting its unique identity. This tension reflects broader struggles among Ghanaian parties to balance tradition with modern political pragmatism.

Summary

Yaw Buaben Asamoa’s exit from the NPP signals a culmination of ideological rifts. He views the party’s alleged prioritization of electoral victory over core values as a betrayal of its founding ethos. His public disavowal of returning to the NPP not only highlights internal conflicts within Ghana’s ruling party but also raises questions about the long-term viability of rigid factionalism in political systems claiming to prioritize democracy.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Politicians:

• Foster mechanisms for constructive dissent to maintain grassroots credibility.
• Publicly acknowledge past mistakes to rebuild public trust.

For Citizens:

• Support parties prioritizing transparency over empty promises.
• Engage in local governance to demand accountability.

Points of Caution

Risks of Over-Commitment to Ideology

While holding parties accountable is vital, Asamoa’s absolute rejection of NPP membership could polarize Ghanaian politics further. Constructive criticism—rather than blanket disavowals—might better advance reform efforts.

Lessons for Electoral Strategy

Parties must balance ideological consistency with adaptability to retain core supporters and attract new voters. The NPP’s current trajectory risks alienating loyalists like Asamoa while failing to energize younger, value-conscious demographics.

Comparison

Buaben Asamoa’s UP contrasts sharply with the NPP. The UP positions itself as a grassroots alternative, emphasizing social equity and anti-corruption measures. Unlike the NPP, which catered to elites and traditional leaders, the UP appeals to middle-class professionals and youth groups critical of patronage politics.

Legal Implications

The NPP’s expulsion of Asamoa raises questions under Ghana’s Public Elections Act (2012). While parties retain the right to discipline members, stripping someone of their role without clear-by-law procedures could invite legal challenges. Human rights advocates argue such actions undermine citizens’ freedoms of association and expression, protected under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Article 21.

Conclusion

Buaben Asamoa’s stance serves as a cautionary tale for parties balancing survival with principle. His leadership of the UP, which champions inclusivity over insularity, illustrates how Ghanaian politicians can navigate ideological purges while addressing public discontent. As Ghana prepares for the next electoral cycle, the NPP’s survival may hinge on reconciling its storied past with a frustrated electorate’s demand for renewal.

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