Introduction: A Call for Internal Reformation Before National Leadership

In a compelling and self-reflective interview, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), issued a profound challenge to his own party: to govern Ghana with credibility, the NDC must first undergo its own moral and political “reset.” Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Kwetey argued that the party cannot credibly critique the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) while replicating the same behaviors it condemns. His central thesis is that the NDC’s popular national “reset” agenda must begin internally, anchored in the party’s own foundational values, to earn public trust and fulfill its profound responsibility to Ghana’s younger generation. This article analyzes Kwetey’s statements, explores the necessary internal reforms for political parties, and provides practical advice for building a values-driven political movement.

Key Points: The Core of Kwetey’s Argument

Fifi Kwetey’s message is a rare instance of high-level intra-party critique in Ghanaian politics. The essential takeaways from his interview are:

• Hypocrisy Undermines Credibility: Attacking an opponent for faults the party itself exhibits destroys moral authority and public trust.
• The Reset Starts Within: The NDC cannot promise to “reset” Ghana without first resetting its own internal culture, practices, and standards.
• Party Values Are Foundational: The NDC’s existing anthem and ideology contain the values needed (e.g., “Ghana first”); the problem is a failure to live by them.
• Youth Are the Primary Stakeholders: The party owes a distinct example to young Ghanaians, who deserve a different political paradigm.
• Personal Ambition vs. National Transformation: True political work should be framed around transforming the nation, not individual advancement.
• Legacy Over Temporary Power: Political positions are temporary; building enduring principles and a stronger party institution is the lasting contribution.

Background: The NDC, the “Reset” Narrative, and Internal Dynamics

The NDC’s “Reset Ghana” Campaign Promise

For the 2024 general election cycle, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) centered its campaign around a “Reset Ghana” agenda. This platform promised to address economic hardships, corruption, and institutional decay attributed to the incumbent NPP administration. The term “reset” implies a return to foundational, correct principles—a systemic reboot.

Fifi Kwetey: A Veteran’s Perspective

Fifi Fiavi Kwetey is a long-serving NDC stalwart, having held positions including Minister of Transport, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, and party General Secretary. His lengthy tenure grants him a historical perspective on the party’s evolution, its internal challenges, and its public perception. His criticism, therefore, comes from within the party’s established leadership, not an external dissident.

The Context of Ghanaian Two-Party Politics

Ghana’s democracy is dominated by two main parties: the NDC and the NPP. A common feature of this competitive system is intense partisan critique, where each party highlights the other’s failures while often being vulnerable to similar accusations. Kwetey’s speech directly confronts this cyclical pattern of “do as I say, not as I do” politics, which many voters perceive as cynical and self-serving.

Analysis: Deconstructing the “Internal Reset” Imperative

Kwetey’s argument is more than political rhetoric; it is a strategic blueprint for rebuilding a party’s social contract with the electorate. His logic operates on several interconnected levels.

The Credibility Deficit and the Hypocrisy Trap

Kwetey identifies a critical vulnerability: credibility. In the age of social media and instant fact-checking, voters are increasingly adept at spotting inconsistencies. A party that condemns corruption, financial mismanagement, or divisive rhetoric while its own members or structures engage in similar acts is easily dismissed as hypocritical. This “do as I say” approach fails to persuade swing voters and demoralizes the party’s base. Kwetey states unequivocally: “you can’t simply be attacking your opponent when you were doing exactly the same thing as your opponent.” The implication is that the NDC’s current opposition strategy, if unchanged, is strategically flawed and ethically bankrupt.

Rediscovering Foundational Values vs. Creating New Ones

Importantly, Kwetey does not argue for a new ideological framework. He points directly to the NDC’s party anthem, which extols the virtue of placing “our country as number one.” His critique is that these values have been neglected or overshadowed by internal competition, personal ambition, and partisan bickering. The task is not invention but reclamation and operationalization. This is pedagogically significant: it suggests that solutions are embedded in existing traditions, requiring discipline and collective will to revive, not a radical overhaul.

The Unique Burden of the “Given” Responsibility

Kwetey invokes a powerful moral axiom: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” He argues that because Ghanaians have entrusted the NDC with significant political responsibility (through votes, party membership, and activism), the party’s obligation is proportionally greater. This frames political work as a sacred trust, not a right. The “much given” includes the public’s faith, the sacrifices of party members, and the opportunity to lead. The “much expected” is a standard of conduct that justifies this trust.

The Youth as the Ultimate Constituency

The most emotionally resonant part of Kwetey’s message is his focus on the youth. He states the NDC owes the “young generation of Ghanaians a distinct instance.” This is a pivotal rhetorical move. It elevates the argument from intra-party squabbles to intergenerational justice. The youth are not just future voters; they are current stakeholders whose prospects are damaged by political hypocrisy and instability. Setting a “different example” means modeling integrity, long-term thinking, and selfless service—qualities that contrast with the often-perceived short-termism and aggression of politics.

Distinguishing National Transformation from Personal Ambition

Kwetey draws a sharp line between ambition (self-centered) and transformation (nation-centered). This is a crucial conceptual distinction for political renewal. By declaring “it’s not an ambition. It’s about transforming our country,” he attempts to redefine political motivation. This reframing seeks to depersonalize internal conflicts and align all party activity with a higher, collective purpose. It is a direct rebuttal to politics dominated by personality cults and the pursuit of office for its own sake.

Practical Advice: How Can a Political Party “Reset” Internally?

Kwetey diagnoses the problem but also implies a path forward. Translating his vision into actionable steps requires systemic change. Here is a practical framework for any political party seeking this kind of internal reset.

1. Codify and Embody Core Values in Party Structures

• Action: Move values from anthems to binding codes of conduct. Establish an independent, empowered ethics and compliance committee with the authority to investigate and sanction members for violations of stated values (e.g., corruption, public incitement, financial impropriety).
• Rationale: This makes abstract values concrete and enforceable, signaling that the party is serious about its own standards.

2. Implement Transparent Internal Processes

• Action: Ensure complete transparency in candidate selection, internal elections, and financial management. Use digital tools to publicize primary results, audited accounts, and meeting minutes (where security allows).
• Rationale: Secrecy fuels suspicion and backroom deals. Transparency builds trust among members and the public, demonstrating a commitment to “Ghana first” over internal factional advantage.

3. Institute a “Values-First” Training and Onboarding Program

• Action: Mandate orientation for all new members, candidates, and appointees that focuses not just on party history and strategy, but on its philosophical foundations, ethical codes, and the “why” behind the “reset” narrative.
• Rationale: This addresses Kwetey’s point that members may not fully understand the party’s values. It creates a shared language and common reference point, rooting new entrants in the desired culture.

4. Foster a Culture of Constructive Internal Critique

• Action: Create safe, structured forums (e.g., quarterly “state of the party” forums, anonymous feedback channels) where members can critique leadership and policies without fear of victimization. Leadership must visibly welcome and respond to such feedback.
• Rationale: A party that cannot criticize itself cannot improve. This practice models the accountability it expects from government and prevents the stagnation of “business as usual.”

5. Prioritize Youth and Women in Leadership Development

• Action: Implement quotas or strong preferences for youth and women in internal party committees, candidate lists (at least in winnable seats), and leadership positions. Invest in mentorship programs pairing young members with experienced, values-driven elders.
• Rationale: This directly answers the debt to the “young generation.” It ensures the party’s future is built by and for those who will live with the long-term consequences of its actions, breaking cycles of gerontocratic leadership.

6. Decouple Messaging from Personal Attacks

• Action: Develop a communications protocol that mandates criticism of the opponent to be based strictly on policy, record, and performance. Prohibit ad hominem attacks, divisive rhetoric, and misinformation. Fact-check all public statements before release.
• Rationale: This operationalizes Kwetey’s rejection of “simplistic partisan thinking.” It forces the party to compete on ideas and solutions, elevating the quality of national discourse and building issue-based credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does Fifi Kwetey mean by “reset” in the Ghanaian context?

In this context, “reset” refers to a fundamental change in approach, culture, and standards. For the NDC, it means moving away from the perceived failures and “business as usual” of the current NPP government. Kwetey’s unique contribution is insisting this reset must begin within the NDC itself—changing its own internal behaviors and standards before it can credibly promise to change the nation.

Is Kwetey risking his political career by making these statements?

Kwetey explicitly acknowledges this risk. He states he is “ready for consequences” and is willing to protect his beliefs “even at the cost of my political ambition.” In a party environment where internal dissent can be punished, his willingness to voice such a critical, self-reflective message publicly is indeed a high-stakes maneuver that could affect his standing with delegates and party hierarchies.

How does this relate to the 2024 (or subsequent) elections?

The speech is directly electoral strategy. Kwetey is arguing that the NDC’s path to victory is not just in attacking the NPP, but in demonstrating a superior, more ethical, and more consistent character. He believes voters, especially the youth, are looking for authentic change, not just a change of party in power. The internal reset is presented as the prerequisite for winning and governing effectively.

What is the significance of the party anthem in his argument?

The anthem is a symbolic and rhetorical tool. Kwetey uses it to show that the values he advocates (patriotism, placing Ghana first) are not new or external; they are already enshrined in the party’s most basic, pride-evoking traditions. This strengthens his case by claiming the moral high ground from within the party’s own identity, making resistance to his ideas seem like a rejection of the party’s soul.

Is this a common sentiment within the NDC or unique to Kwetey?

The article presents Kwetey’s view as a notable and principled stand. The phrasing “may not always be popular in the party” suggests it is a minority or challenging position within the current internal dynamics. It represents a faction or school of thought that prioritizes principle and long-term institution-building over short-term electoral combat and internal power plays.

Conclusion: The High Standard of Leadership

Fifi Kwetey’s interview transcends the typical political soundbite. It is a sobering lesson in leadership ethics and strategic political communication. His core message is timeless and universal: to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself. For the NDC, this means the “Reset Ghana” slogan must be operationalized as “Reset the NDC First.”

The path he outlines is difficult. It requires confronting internal hypocrisy, enforcing discipline, depersonalizing disputes, and making long-term investments in character over short-term gains. It asks politicians to subordinate personal ambition to national transformation and to see their role as trustees for future generations, not temporary holders of power.

Ultimately, Kwetey’s argument is that political credibility is an asset built through consistent action, not just clever words. The public, and especially Ghana’s youth, are less likely to be moved by attacks on an opponent if the attacker’s own house is not in order. The party that can honestly claim to live by its stated values—that its walk matches its talk—will have a foundational advantage in the battle for Ghana’s future. Whether the NDC heeds this call for an internal reset will determine if it can truly be the agent of change it promises to be.

Sources & References

• Original Interview Broadcast: Joy News (MultiChoice Ghana),