‘Unreasonable behaviour’ has no expression within the NPP – Kozie – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), one of Ghana’s leading political forces, is currently navigating a critical period in its history. As the party gears up for its internal flagbearer elections scheduled for January 31, the atmosphere is naturally charged with political ambition and competitive energy. However, amidst this intense contest for leadership, a strong message of restraint and unity has emerged. Akosua Asaa Manu, popularly known as Kozie and a Special Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken a firm stand against indiscipline. In a recent address, she declared that “unreasonable behaviour” has no expression within the NPP. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of her statements, the context of the upcoming elections, and the importance of maintaining party discipline to secure future electoral success.

Key Points

At the heart of Kozie’s recent commentary are specific directives aimed at preserving the integrity of the New Patriotic Party during this volatile election cycle. Here are the essential takeaways from her address on Movement Radio:

The Rejection of Indiscipline

Kozie made a definitive statement regarding the party’s tolerance for misconduct. She asserted that the NPP is not a breeding ground for “unreasonable behaviour.” This serves as a warning to all party members that actions detrimental to the party’s image will not be entertained, regardless of the individual’s status or faction.

Adherence to Party Values

The Special Aide reiterated that the NPP is a values-driven organization. Its operations are anchored in respect, the rule of law, and responsible political engagement. She emphasized that the party possesses well-defined structures and disciplinary processes designed to handle internal disputes and misconduct effectively.

The Call for Unity

While acknowledging the competitive nature of internal elections, Kozie stressed that unity is the ultimate weapon for the NPP. She argued that elections are won by united parties, not fractured ones. Therefore, resolving differences with respect and loyalty to the party’s overarching cause is non-negotiable.

Responsibility of Surrogates and Communicators

Kozie specifically addressed supporters and communicators acting as surrogates for various aspirants. She cautioned against the use of reckless commentary, misinformation, and personal attacks. She noted that such behaviors do not serve the collective interests of the party and can cause long-term damage to the NPP’s public image.

Background

To fully understand the weight of Kozie’s statements, one must look at the political timeline leading up to this moment. The NPP is preparing for a crucial flagbearer election on January 31. This election will determine who leads the party into the next general election, making it a high-stakes contest.

The Context of Internal Elections

Internal party democracy often brings with it heightened tensions. As different factions mobilize support for their preferred candidates, the risk of “political tribalism” and verbal warfare increases. Recent weeks have seen rising public discourse regarding the conduct of party actors, with various controversies surfacing in the media.

The Role of Party Surrogates

In Ghanaian politics, surrogates play a significant role in shaping narratives. They act as the voice of aspirants, often engaging in radio discussions and social media debates. While this is part of the democratic process, Kozie highlighted that these interactions have recently bordered on the “unreasonable,” necessitating a reprimand and a call for a return to decorum.

Analysis

Kozie’s intervention is more than just a call for good manners; it is a strategic political maneuver rooted in historical precedent and psychological insight. The rejection of “unreasonable behaviour” is a calculated move to protect the party’s brand equity.

The Psychology of Political Branding

Political parties are brands. When internal squabbles become public and turn toxic, the average voter perceives the party as chaotic and unfit to govern. Kozie’s warning that “our conduct reflects on the entire party” is an acknowledgment of this reality. By curbing excesses now, the NPP aims to present a cohesive front to the electorate, rather than a divided house.

Historical Lessons in Ghanaian Politics

History offers stark warnings. In Ghana’s Fourth Republic, several political parties have suffered electoral defeats not because their policies were lacking, but because of internal divisions. The phenomenon of “skirt and blouse” voting—where party members sabotage their own candidates—is often a direct result of bitter primary contests. Kozie’s reference to historical weakness caused by division is a subtle reminder to supporters that the enemy is not within, but outside the party.

Defining “Unreasonable Behaviour”

While Kozie did not provide an exhaustive legal definition, the context suggests that “unreasonable behaviour” encompasses:

• Defamation: Character assassination of fellow party members.
• Incitement: Encouraging supporters to engage in violence or chaos.
• Misinformation: Spreading false narratives to tarnish an opponent’s reputation.
• Disregard for Structures: Bypassing established party disciplinary mechanisms.

Practical Advice

For political party members, activists, and followers in Ghana and beyond, Kozie’s statements serve as a guide for navigating internal elections. Here is practical advice on how to maintain discipline while actively participating in party democracy:

1. Engage in Issue-Based Campaigning

Focus on the track record, vision, and policy proposals of your preferred candidate. Avoid personal attacks or bringing up unrelated family histories. Issue-based campaigning elevates the discourse and aligns with the “values-driven” nature Kozie mentioned.

2. Verify Information Before Sharing

In the age of social media, misinformation spreads rapidly. Before sharing a story or making a comment about a rival aspirant, verify the source. Kozie explicitly warned against misinformation because it damages the collective credibility of the NPP.

3. Respect the Structures

If there are grievances, utilize the party’s internal disciplinary mechanisms. Taking fights to the media or social platforms often escalates conflicts unnecessarily. Trusting the party’s “well-defined structures” ensures disputes are resolved internally.

4. Remember the Ultimate Goal

Winning the general election is the prize. Internal elections are merely selection processes. Supporters should ask themselves: “Will this comment help the NPP win the general election?” If the answer is no, it falls under the category of “unreasonable behaviour.”

FAQ

Conclusion

The message delivered by Akosua Asaa Manu (Kozie) is a timely intervention for the New Patriotic Party. As the January 31 flagbearer election approaches, the temptation for supporters to engage in “unreasonable behaviour” will be high. However, Kozie’s insistence on discipline, respect, and adherence to party structures serves as a necessary guardrail. By rejecting indiscipline, the NPP aims to preserve its internal cohesion and maximize its chances of retaining political power. For party members, the directive is clear: compete fiercely, but always prioritize the collective interest of the party.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: Original report on Kozie’s statements.
• Movement Radio: Broadcast from December 22, 2025.
• New Patriotic Party (NPP) Official Guidelines on Internal Elections.