Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to urgently cleanse itself of what he describes as “bad elements” responsible for the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
In an interview on Nhyira FM in Kumasi, the renowned heart surgeon and statesman asserted that the current leadership of the party must step aside to make room for renewal and to regain public trust.
Frimpong-Boateng: “Demons Must Be Removed”
Professor Frimpong-Boateng did not mince words, stating that unless the so-called “demons” within the party are purged, the NPP will continue to suffer political and public backlash.
“We must remove the bad elements from the party if we want to move forward. The demons within must be removed, or the NPP will continue to suffer,” he stressed.
He suggested that these internal factions have eroded public confidence and hindered effective governance, ultimately contributing to the party’s downfall in the elections.
Akufo-Addo’s Leadership Criticized as Unreceptive
Professor Frimpong-Boateng also directed strong criticism at former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing him of being “unreceptive and close-minded” during his time in office.
According to him, numerous suggestions and pieces of advice were offered to improve governance and party unity, but they were repeatedly ignored by the presidency and its close advisors.
“There were many brilliant minds in the party who were ignored. We had opportunities to make things better, but arrogance and closed-mindedness prevailed,” he noted.
Capable Individuals Sidelined
He lamented that many competent and well-meaning individuals within the NPP were deliberately sidelined during Akufo-Addo’s tenure, contributing to ineffective leadership and the eventual electoral loss.
Frimpong-Boateng warned that the NPP’s survival depends on tapping into its full range of talent, rather than concentrating power in the hands of a few.
Focus on Building Human Capacity, Not Just Revenue
Beyond the party’s internal issues, the former minister addressed national governance, urging a shift in focus from merely raising domestic revenue to investing in human capacity.
He advocated for policies that promote innovation, boost productivity, and expand Ghana’s exports.
“Good governance isn’t just about taxes and revenue. It’s about using common sense, eliminating corruption, and building a solid human resource base,” he advised.
A Call for Reform and Accountability
Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s comments have stirred conversation within political circles, as many view his statements as a bold call for reform and accountability within the NPP.
As the party reflects on its electoral defeat, these insights may shape future discourse on leadership renewal and strategic repositioning.