Sometimes a political party must defy traditional labeling to develop a winning team. For a party that had been labeled elitist due to its subscription to the all-inclusive property owning democracy concept, the NPP has done more for, and to include the masses in the political process than any other party in Ghana in recent memory. The NPP leadership has transformed the party into a formidable grassroots-based political organization that is fast becoming a model for democracy in Africa. This historic innovation has made the NPP a truly democratic party that empowers the grassroots to participate in decision-making in the party, a sharp contrast with the NDC’s adherence to a system infested with vote buying, intimidation of delegates, political brutalities, political vindictiveness, and self-centered politics. This show of dynamism on the part of NPP, contrasted with the NDC’s politics-as-usual, may provide the clearest indication yet as to which party is ready to provide Ghanaians with the leadership to usher us into middle income status and foster an enduring democracy.

Having concluded from a critical analysis of the causes of its painful and unexpected loss of the 2008 election, the party embarked on an expansion of delegates to select its presidential candidate. At the very least, the NPP leadership demonstrated a needed responsiveness to the yearning of the masses; a vital quality in democratic system of governance. This epoch making event was not only historic, it also set the party aside as a truly democratic party that empowers grass roots participation in decision-making. Conversely, the NDC bearing the term ‘democratic’ in its name has ironically ignored the yearning of its own grassroots. Not only has the ruling party alienated its grassroots from party level decision making, it has left them to fend for themselves economically while the NDC elites abuse their political power to amass illegal wealth.

The recently completed NPP parliamentary primaries that were flawlessly executed without rancor and bitterness have become the envy in the continent of Africa. Here again the NPP leadership proactively warned parliamentary contestants to respect the rule of law and of civil competition thereby creating an environment that was conducive for peaceful elections. Not surprisingly, with over 100,000 people participating in the process, not a finger was lifted to physically attack anyone.

Still showing contemporary leadership, Presidential Candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, along with other party leaders traveled the length and breath of our country to thank contestants for their mature conduct. The all hands on deck tour after the primaries to bring the winners and losers on board is testimony to the ingenuity and willingness of the party’s presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo to unify the party for victory in 2012. The level of discipline, cohesion and oneness of purpose in the party makes us proud as Ghanaians because it continues to make Ghana a beacon of democracy in a turbulent area that has propensity for dictatorship. The NPP leadership has done an admirable job of moving a party that was admittedly confused from its unexpected loss at the polls and divided by factionalism to a unified, organized, and determined group now poised and ready for national leadership.

In contrast to NPP’s remarkable model of enlarged-delegate primaries and exemplary leadership, the NDC upcoming presidential primary is infested with despicable vices of vote buying, intimidation, slander, attacks on opponents, personalized politics and politics of vindictiveness. Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings’ camp has revealed that delegates have been bribed with cash and motorbikes whiles others have been threatened with dismissals from the various assemblies if they fail to support President Mills’ re-election bid.

On the other hand irate members of the Friends of Konadu Agyeman Rawlings (FONKAR) reportedly invaded the studio of Asempa FM on Tuesday May 17, interrupted the station’s popular political talk show, ‘Ekosii Sen,’, and also threatened to assault guests being interviewed by the host , Kwabena Bobie Ansah. By their acts of political corruption and intimidation of opponents, the NDC has clearly demonstrated its leadership incompetence to sustain and consolidate Ghana’s democracy, emancipate the people of Ghana from the clutches of poverty and ensure peace in Ghana.

From their methods, the difference between the two parties could not be clearer. The New Patriotic Party, in opposition, has shown the readiness and the capabilities to govern while the NDC, in government, has shown quite the opposite. Ghana needs unity. And while NPP has shown how to achieve it, the governing NDC is showing Ghanaians how to sow the seeds of divisiveness. Ghana needs frugality. And while NPP, in opposition, has shown how to do more with less, the governing NDC has shown how to sit by and allow $46 million to get missing at TOR. Ghana needs leadership. And while NPP leader, in opposition, has shown leadership by calling for calm and reconciliation in Dagbon after the court decision acquitting the men accused of masterminding the killing of the Ya Na, the NDC president has vowed to prolong the conflict even if he has to sacrifice judicial independence to achieve his evil objective.

If there ever was a doubt as to which party can take Ghana to the next level, that doubt has by now been put to rest. The NPP has shown leadership, civility, class, competence, and all the qualities that exemplify what being Ghanaian is all about. In contrast, the NDC has shown brutality, dishonesty, divisiveness, thievery, and all the “UnGhanaian” qualities that must be rejected if our dear nation has a realistic chance at transforming into a middle class country with enduring democracy. So as we approach a critical election next year, it is our hope that Ghanaians would invariably arrive at the conclusion that indeed Ghana’s hope to achieve our cherished aspirations of democracy and socio-economic development is vested in the New Patriotic Party.