Konongo Kaya Syndrome’: Joshua Sika Nartey Urges NPP to Rebuild Instead of Protesting

Joshua Sika Nartey, an Aspiring National Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, describing it as counterproductive, below the belt, and incapable of rebuilding the opposition party’s fortunes ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking during the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” Demo, Nartey said he deliberately attended the demonstration to observe the opposition’s activities because politicians must remain interested in developments within rival political parties.

“As a politician, you should be interested in what goes on in your opponent’s camp. So today I decided to come here and witness whatever is going on, but I can see that it’s below the belt. What they did today was counterproductive,” he stated.

‘Konongo Kaya syndrome’

Nartey argued that the NPP is suffering from what he termed the “Konongo Kaya syndrome,” claiming that after assuming office in 2017, the party promised to uphold the rule of law but spent much of its tenure pursuing allegations against former President John Dramani Mahama.

According to him, despite repeated allegations, including the Airbus matter and other corruption claims, the Akufo-Addo administration failed to secure any wrongdoing against Mahama.

He further claimed that the Office of the Special Prosecutor ultimately cleared Mahama, insisting that the NDC’s anti-corruption agenda has been consistent.

Defends ORAL initiative

Nartey defended the NDC government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, describing it as a key manifesto promise aimed at fighting corruption and recovering state assets.

He noted that shortly after assuming office, the Mahama administration established a five-member committee chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to investigate alleged cases of corruption and misuse of public resources.

According to him, the committee uncovered instances of alleged financial misconduct, stressing that those responsible must face the law.

“It is the duty of the NDC today to challenge corruption in this country because ill-gotten wealth will never prosper.”

Calls on NPP to rebuild

Rather than organising demonstrations, Nartey urged the NPP to undertake deep introspection and reorganise itself.

He said the current leadership of the opposition party is not providing the strong alternative that Ghana’s democracy requires.

Comparing today’s NPP with the party that returned to power in 2001, he argued that the opposition has become “a shadow of itself,” adding that many of its current leaders have failed to match the calibre of previous party figures.

He questioned whether the NPP had conducted any serious review of its 2024 electoral defeat, contrasting it with the publication of “Chasing the Elephant into the Bush,” a book written by Dr Arthur Kennedy after the party’s 2008 election loss.

According to him, the absence of similar reflections after the 2024 elections demonstrates weaknesses within the party’s current leadership.

Praises Mahama administration

Nartey commended President John Dramani Mahama’s government, saying it has performed strongly across several sectors since taking office.

He praised Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, claiming conditions in senior high schools have improved, and also lauded Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for what he described as proactive leadership within the health sector.

He argued that instead of staging protests, the NPP should establish a functional shadow government whose members would scrutinise ministers while learning from policies they believe are delivering results.

Quoting Proverbs 6:6-11, he urged the opposition to “go to the ant” and learn valuable lessons rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political noise.

Calls for responsible opposition

Nartey stressed that Ghana needs a responsible opposition capable of acknowledging government successes while constructively criticising shortcomings.

According to him, healthy democratic governance requires political parties to debate ideas instead of engaging in demonstrations that fail to address national concerns.

He also suggested that if internal divisions surrounding former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia remain unresolved, the NPP leadership should unite all factions to rebuild a formidable opposition capable of keeping the government accountable.

Commends judiciary and Attorney General

Nartey praised the judiciary, the Chief Justice, Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine, and members of the Attorney General’s office for what he described as their commitment to pursuing justice under the Mahama administration.

He called for increased investment in Ghana’s judicial system, arguing that a well-resourced judiciary would help eliminate corruption, state looting, and financial mismanagement.

Vows alleged looters will face justice

Reaffirming the NDC government’s anti-corruption agenda, Nartey said President Mahama has consistently maintained that his administration is determined to hold accountable anyone found to have misappropriated state resources during the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

He claimed the government has already made significant progress in pursuing corruption-related cases and assured Ghanaians that investigations and prosecutions would continue.

Nartey thanked Ghanaians for placing their confidence in President Mahama and the NDC, saying the government intends to honour the overwhelming parliamentary mandate it received by ensuring accountability and safeguarding public resources.