…..Desperate pursuit of power’

Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned party members and other political leaders against emulating what he described as former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s excessive quest for political power, arguing that an unrestrained pursuit of desperate pursuit of power can undermine good governance and national development as witnessed from 2017 to 2024.

Speaking at the 47th Anniversary Commemoration of the June 4 Uprising held yesterday, Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Banda Ahenkro in the Bono Region, Mr Kwetey urged aspiring leaders, particularly within the governing NDC, to place service to the nation above personal political ambition.

According to him, genuine leadership should emerge from a commitment to serve rather than from an aggressive determination to attain political office.

He cited former Presidents John Evans Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama as examples of leaders who did not aggressively chase power but responded when called upon to serve the country.

In contrast, he criticised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arguing that excessive personal ambition for the presidency can negatively affect governance.

“My plea to all people who are aspiring for leadership of our country, especially at the NDC, is to cut out the desperation. Cut out the selfishness. Cut out the thinking that this is about you,” he said.

He stressed that political leadership should not be treated as a personal entitlement or an ambition to be pursued at all costs.

“You must not orchestrate left, right and centre just because you want to become a leader. Leaders in this party emerge. This country needs leaders who truly love the country and not themselves,” he stated.

Fifi Kwetey further warned that when personal ambition becomes the driving force behind seeking office, the nation’s broader interests are often compromised.

“People who are desperate and must be leaders by all means should not be encouraged because such desperation only leads to a nation going down. The destiny of our country is at stake,” he added.

On his part, the National Chairman of the United Cadres Front (UCF), Shine Gaveh, urged members of the governing NDC to adhere strictly to internal procedures in selecting a future flagbearer, cautioning against early and divisive contestations.

Mr Gaveh raised concerns about the growing debate over succession within the party, particularly discussions about President Mahama’s eventual replacement.

His remarks come amid reported tensions and emerging political positioning involving key party figures, including the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, as internal dynamics around future leadership continue to attract attention.

The situation has prompted interventions by the party’s Council of Elders, which has called for restraint and unity.

Mr Gaveh questioned the growing public discourse on succession, insisting that the party already has established structures for electing its flagbearer.

“Let me boldly ask who succeeds President John Mahama? Does the party not have procedures for electing a flagbearer? Cadres want to empathically state that leadership of the NDC emerges not by might or manipulation but by whoever protects the values and principles that underpins the NDC,” he said.

He stressed that leadership within the NDC should not be determined by influence or internal power plays, but by adherence to the party’s core values and guiding principles.

Mr Gaveh further urged party members to avoid actions that could undermine unity, particularly at a time when the government is expected to focus on delivery and consolidation.

The remarks add to ongoing conversations within the NDC about internal discipline and succession planning, as senior figures continue to caution against premature campaigning.

Meanwhile, the Council of Elders of the NDC has directed all party members and groups engaged in early presidential campaign activities to stop immediately.

Fifi Kwetey warns NDC members against 'Akufo-Addo syndrome'

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