Let the NPP Run From Bottom-Up — Richard Ahiagbah Calls for Grassroots Reform

New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Vice Chairman hopeful Richard Ahiagbah has called for a fundamental restructuring of the party to make it more responsive to the needs and contributions of its grassroots supporters.

In an exclusive interview with Kessben Digital, Ahiagbah disclosed, although the NPP has traditionally been a strong political force, there is a growing need to reconnect the party with its grassroots base and ensure that members directly benefit from their efforts and contributions.
“Our party is not working for the grassroots, but we have a reform idea to make sure the party works for the grassroots,” he stated.

He argued that while politicians frequently speak about the importance of grassroots members, little is done to ensure that the party truly operates as a grassroots organisation.
“We should let the party run from bottom-up,” Ahiagbah stressed.

He further attributed part of the NPP’s poor performance in the 2024 elections to disappointment among grassroots supporters, noting that many party members did not turn out to vote because of their dissatisfaction with the party’s eight years in government.
Ahiagbah also argued that although the NPP relies heavily on its grassroots to win elections, grassroots members are often left out when it comes to benefiting from political power.
“The party wins elections at the grassroots, but when victory comes, the grassroots are hardly affected or influenced by the spoils of power,” he said.

As part of his proposed reforms, Ahiagbah cited Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to appoint 10 people from every constituency when he wins the presidency as an example of an approach that could create opportunities at the grassroots.

He proposed that constituencies should have a greater say in determining who represents them in such opportunities.
Ahiagbah urged NPP members to unite behind efforts to establish what he described as a “true grassroots agenda” capable of helping the party win future elections and transform its internal structures.

He ultimately appealed to delegates to carefully assess what each candidate brings to the table as they prepare to elect the party’s next leadership.
“Everybody is important and has the content, but it is up to the delegates to know what Ahiagbah brings to bear when voted as First National Vice Chairman,” he said.

By Maurice Otoo