Two NPP Gurus Challenge Each Other Over Attacks On Akuffo-Addo

New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Dr Razak Kojo Opoku has taken issue with former presidential aspirant Dr Kobina Arthur Kennedy over his continued criticism of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

In a social media statement, Dr Opoku questioned calls for the party to distance itself from Akufo-Addo following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. He argued that decisions concerning the former president’s standing within the party should not be influenced by the personal sentiments of individual members.

Dr Opoku also referred to Arthur Kennedy’s book, Chasing the Elephant into the Bush, suggesting that the former presidential aspirant had maintained his reservations about Akufo-Addo for an extended period.

He further argued that sidelining the former president would raise questions about the NPP’s position on policies and initiatives introduced during his administration, particularly the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

According to Dr Opoku, the party cannot seek to distance itself from Akufo-Addo while continuing to promote the achievements of his government as part of its political record.

He called on Arthur Kennedy to reconsider his position, citing former NPP National Chairman Paul Afoko and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong as examples of party figures who, according to him, had moved past their previous disagreements with Akufo-Addo.

Dr Opoku’s comments come amid renewed discussions within the NPP about the reasons behind its defeat in the 2024 elections and the leadership and policy changes needed to strengthen the party ahead of the 2028 polls.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Monday, October 12, 2026, Arthur Kennedy argued that the party’s electoral loss stemmed largely from public dissatisfaction with its performance during its eight years in government.

He maintained that the NPP did not lose the election because it lacked adequate security personnel but because it failed to secure enough votes from the electorate.

Arthur Kennedy urged party leaders to focus on addressing voters’ concerns rather than concentrating disproportionately on security arrangements for the next general election.

He also highlighted figures suggesting that approximately 1.25 million people who supported the NPP previously voted for President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 presidential election.

He described the reported movement of voters as a serious concern, arguing that the party needed to understand why a substantial number of its supporters chose an alternative candidate.

The contrasting positions reflect an ongoing debate within the NPP over how to respond to its electoral defeat, reconcile internal differences and regain public confidence before the 2028 general elections.

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