Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has launched a strong critique of the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing it as the party’s greatest weakness.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, July 7, 2025, Mr. Kotoko argued that the NPP’s current leadership—spanning from the national chairman to the general secretary—lacks both the courage and competence required to steer the party forward.
“One major problem that the NPP must cure is that their leadership is their major failure. From the national chairman, through the general secretary, to everyone, they are always afraid to say this,” he said.
Mr. Kotoko further accused the party’s top brass of clinging to power despite leading the NPP to defeat in the 2024 general elections. He suggested that instead of paving the way for reform and renewal, these leaders are now focused on retaining influence within the party.
“After failing them, they are trying some straws to hang on to seek reelection. If they really want to be seen as a serious party, they should get competent people to run for office,” he stated.
His comments come in the wake of the Electoral Commission’s July 2, 2025 announcement of a rerun of the parliamentary election in Ablekuma North. The EC cited irregularities in the results from 19 polling stations during the December 7, 2024 general elections. Although scanned results had been signed off by party agents, they were not properly verified by the respective Presiding Officers, breaching electoral protocols.
The rerun has reignited internal tensions and public scrutiny of the NPP’s leadership, with critics like Mr. Kotoko calling for sweeping changes to restore credibility and prepare the party for future elections.
Parliament to sit on Mondays and Saturdays to expedite Legislative work