Joe Ghartey is leading member of the NPP
Former Attorney-General, Minister of Justice, and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joe Ghartey, has called for a ceasefire between feuding factions within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging unity and introspection at a time when the party faces internal division following its recent electoral defeat.
Ghartey’s appeal comes amid escalating tensions between prominent party figures, most notably the ongoing public spat between Abronye DC, Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, and former presidential aspirant and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.
Their feud has further exposed growing cracks within the party’s rank and file, prompting concerns among supporters and senior members alike about the party’s cohesion and electoral future.
According to Joe Ghartey, no single individual, regardless of stature or popularity, can secure victory for the NPP in the next general election without the full backing and unity of the party.
“There is no point in pointing fingers against each other”, saying that as a popular Ghanaian proverb says ‘when you point a finger at one person the other four point at you.'”
He emphasised the urgent need for “cool heads, sober reflection, and strategic thinking,” urging members to move away from finger-pointing and blame-shifting.
While acknowledging that leadership often bears the brunt of criticism, “since it is said that a fish rots from the head”, Ghartey was quick to point out that the issues undermining the party go beyond top-level leadership.
He stated that problems exist across all levels, including operational inefficiencies and internal disconnects.
Drawing from personal experience, he revealed that during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister, he sometimes found it difficult to reach certain Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in state institutions.
However, he declined to name those individuals, saying doing so now would not serve a constructive purpose.
Turning to the feud between Abronye DC and Kennedy Agyapong, Ghartey called for restraint and reconciliation, appealing directly to both figures and their supporters to stand down for the sake of the party’s survival and credibility.
“This is not the time for personal battles. This is the time for rebuilding,” he urged.
