Gabriella Tetteh, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what she described as growing intolerance for internal dissent, warning that the party risks losing its democratic identity and political relevance if it fails to address deepening divisions.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Tetteh questioned the NPP’s commitment to its long-standing motto of “development in freedom”, arguing that party members are increasingly discouraged from expressing views that diverge from the leadership’s preferred positions.
“It is sad that a political party that prides itself on freedom cannot allow patriots to express themselves simply because they hold different opinions,” she said. According to Tetteh, party members who pay dues and actively participate in party activities are entitled to voice concerns and criticise leadership decisions without fear of sanction.
Tetteh’s comments followed an exchange with programme host Moro Awudu, who challenged her characterisation of the NPP and suggested such criticism could be hurtful to party loyalists. Tetteh responded that criticism was justified when a party no longer reflects its founding values, adding that internal debate is a core feature of democratic practice.
She accused the NPP of promoting what she described as a “herd mentality”, where dissenting voices are silenced even when they raise legitimate concerns. Using a metaphor, she suggested that ignoring internal warnings could lead the party into political missteps that harm both the party and the broader democratic system.
“The Republic of Ghana needs a strong NPP,” Tetteh said, stressing the importance of a viable opposition. However, she warned that ongoing infighting could push the party towards long-term decline, likening its current trajectory to that of smaller political parties that have struggled to remain competitive.
Her criticism extended to the NPP’s ongoing flagbearer race, which she described as dominated by personal attacks rather than substantive policy debate. She argued that policy proposals being circulated within the party lack coherence and have failed to resonate with both delegates and the wider electorate.
Tetteh linked the party’s internal struggles to its electoral performance, noting that the NPP’s 38 per cent showing in the last general election may have weakened confidence within the party. She said this had contributed to a climate of insecurity and infighting rather than renewal and reform.
Central to her critique was former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom she described as a dominant figure within the party’s recent history. Tetteh said some party members view Bawumia as an extension of an entrenched leadership era, which has generated resistance to his potential candidacy.
She argued that opposition to Bawumia within the party does not necessarily stem from personal rivalry but from broader concerns about the party’s direction and identity. According to Tetteh, long-standing party members who identify with the NPP’s earlier traditions feel marginalised by what she termed a “new order” within the party.
Tetteh also referenced tensions involving Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, suggesting that lingering resentment over a leaked report during his tenure as environment minister has continued to shape internal party attitudes towards him.
Despite predicting that the NPP’s flagbearer process would proceed, Tetteh expressed confidence that the NDC would present a stronger ticket in the next election. She said the NDC’s eventual flagbearer and running mate would, in her view, outperform any NPP candidate.
Her remarks add to growing public debate over internal democracy, leadership succession and party cohesion as Ghana’s major political parties position themselves ahead of future elections.