Introduction

In the volatile landscape of Ghanaian politics, the gap between leadership directives and grassroots action is often wide. Ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) internal flagbearer elections, concerns regarding political decorum and party unity have taken center stage. Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a respected Political Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has raised a critical alarm regarding the efficacy of the NPP’s peace pact.

Speaking on PleasureNews on Thursday, January 22, Dr. Asah-Asante expressed skepticism about the party leadership’s ability to enforce discipline among its ranks. His analysis suggests that despite solemn agreements and public commitments to peace, the organic dynamics of political campaigning may override top-down control. This article delves into the nuances of internal party governance, the limitations of peace pacts, and the practical implications for the NPP as it navigates a contentious election cycle.

Key Points

Background

The NPP Peace Pact Initiative

Political parties in Ghana frequently utilize peace pacts as a strategic tool to ensure stability during internal contests and general elections. The NPP’s recent peace pact is part of a broader effort to maintain party cohesion and public credibility. These agreements are typically signed by aspirants and key stakeholders, committing them to issue-based campaigns and refraining from personal attacks.

The Current Political Climate

The context of these remarks is the heightened political activity within the NPP as it prepares to elect a new flagbearer. This period is characterized by intense lobbying, media engagements, and grassroots mobilization. Historically, such internal contests can leave scars that affect the party’s performance in general elections. Consequently, party elders and institutional bodies are urging aspirants and their supporters to exercise restraint.

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s Profile

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science. He is a frequent commentator on Ghanaian governance and political affairs, known for his objective and often critical analysis of political party structures. His insights are grounded in academic theory and practical observation of Ghana’s democratic evolution.

Analysis

The Illusion of Top-Down Control

Dr. Asah-Asante’s central thesis challenges the assumption that political party leaders possess absolute authority over their supporters. In a democratic environment, supporters are not merely subjects of a hierarchy but active participants with their own agency. The political scientist posits that leaders often engage in performative governance—pretending to enforce control while privately relying on the fervor of their supporters to maintain political relevance.

“Actually they have no control over their supporters,” Dr. Asah-Asante stated. This observation highlights a fundamental tension in political management: leaders desire disciplined messaging but benefit from the energy and aggression of their base. Asking supporters to remain silent when they perceive a threat to their faction is often counterproductive to the political culture that has been cultivated over years.

The Failure of Regulatory Mechanisms

A critical aspect of Dr. Asah-Asante’s critique is the apparent inactivity of internal regulatory bodies. Ideally, a party should establish a disciplinary committee or a monitoring team prior to the commencement of campaigns. This body is tasked with identifying violations of the peace pact—such as defamatory statements or incendiary rhetoric—and taking decisive action.

However, Dr. Asah-Asante notes a concerning silence. He points out that despite the volume of accusations exchanged among aspirants, these mechanisms have failed to intervene. This inaction is not merely administrative negligence; it sends a tacit signal to supporters that boundaries are fluid. When supporters observe that the party apparatus does not penalize misconduct, they interpret this as permission to escalate their attacks.

The Psychology of Political Aggression

Political campaigns trigger tribalistic psychological responses. Supporters often view their faction as an extension of their identity. Consequently, attacks on a preferred candidate are perceived as personal affronts. Dr. Asah-Asante predicts that the “days ahead are not going to be different from what we have seen,” suggesting that the trajectory of the campaign is set toward escalation. Without a visible deterrent, the natural momentum of political aggression tends to increase, leading to a cycle of retaliation that undermines the peace pact.

Practical Advice

Strategies for Effective Party Discipline

For the NPP to navigate this challenge successfully, Dr. Asah-Asante implies that a shift from symbolic gestures to concrete enforcement is necessary. Here are practical steps that align with his analysis:

1. Activation of Disciplinary Bodies

Parties must move beyond merely setting up committees. These bodies must be empowered to act swiftly. This involves:

• Clear Guidelines: Defining exactly what constitutes a violation of the peace pact.
• Public Sanctions: When violations occur, penalties must be publicized to serve as a deterrent to other supporters.

2. Leadership Accountability

Aspirants must be held responsible for the rhetoric of their campaigns. If a candidate’s supporters engage in character assassination, the leadership should face consequences. This creates a feedback loop where candidates are incentivized to police their own bases to protect their standing within the party.

3. Reframing the Narrative

Instead of focusing on restraining supporters (which Dr. Asah-Asante views as difficult), leaders should focus on redirecting energy. Campaigns should emphasize issue-based dialogue rather than personality politics. By providing a constructive outlet for supporter enthusiasm, the party can reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior.

4. Early Intervention

Dr. Asah-Asante expressed disappointment that regulatory bodies were not visible early in the campaign. Future peace pacts must include a pre-campaign phase where rules are drilled into supporters before the first ballot is cast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NPP Peace Pact?

The NPP Peace Pact is a formal agreement signed by aspirants and party stakeholders committing to a peaceful, issue-based internal election process. It is designed to prevent violence and maintain party unity before and after the selection of a flagbearer.

Who is Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante?

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante is a Political Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana. He is a leading voice in Ghanaian political analysis, often commenting on governance, elections, and political party management.

Why does Dr. Asah-Asante believe the peace pact may fail?

He argues that party leaders lack genuine control over their supporters’ actions. Furthermore, he points to the inactivity of internal regulatory bodies and the aggressive nature of the current campaign as indicators that the pact may be difficult to enforce in practice.

Are peace pacts legally binding?

Generally, peace pacts in Ghanaian politics are moral and political agreements rather than legally binding contracts enforceable by courts. They rely on the goodwill and integrity of the signatories and the party’s internal disciplinary structures.

What are the implications for the 2024 general elections?

While this analysis focuses on internal NPP dynamics, the tone of internal campaigns can set a precedent for general election conduct. A fractured internal process can weaken the party’s image and unity heading into the general elections.

Conclusion

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s commentary serves as a sobering reality check for the New Patriotic Party. While peace pacts are essential diplomatic tools, they are not panaceas for the inherent tensions of democratic competition. The effectiveness of such agreements hinges on the party’s willingness to enforce them through visible and decisive regulatory mechanisms.

As the NPP approaches its internal elections, the challenge lies not just in signing documents, but in bridging the gap between leadership intent and supporter action. Dr. Asah-Asante’s warning—that supporters may defy calls for restraint—underscores the need for a more robust, proactive approach to party discipline. Ultimately, the party’s ability to emerge united will depend on its capacity to transform symbolic peace into practical governance.

Sources

• Primary Source: Interview with Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante on PleasureNews, January 22, 2026.
• Contextual Data: University of Ghana, Department of Political Science publications on Ghanaian electoral behavior.
• Party Documentation: New Patriotic Party (NPP) internal election guidelines and peace pact agreements.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization. This content is for informational purposes only.