One of the most important political lessons I have drawn from the life of Dr. Hilla Limann is the value of preserving relationships across political divides. Young politicians must learn to maintain mutual respect, regardless of ideological differences. Today’s opponent may be your strongest ally tomorrow.

History is filled with examples of fierce political adversaries who later became friends and collaborators. Contemporary political history offers many such stories — one of which involves Dr. Limann and Alhaji Imoro Egala.

A teacher, a rival, and ally

As I noted in an earlier exposition, Imoro Egala was once a teacher to Dr. Hilla Limann, contributing significantly to his academic foundation. But beyond their teacher-student relationship, political history placed them on opposing sides — only for fate to later reunite them.

Ahead of the 1954 parliamentary elections, the Northern People's Party (NPP) had emerged as the dominant force in Northern Ghana. It was formed by influential northern chiefs and intellectuals such as S.D. Dombo, Mumuni Bawumia, Imoro Salifu, A.F. Dramani, J.B. Fuseini, B.K. Adama, Abayifaa Karbo, and Kaleo Jatoe, among others. The party’s main goal was to promote the interests of the North, which lagged behind the South in nearly all sectors of development. The NPP inspired strong unity and passionate support among Northerners.

The 1954 Tumu contest

In the Tumu Constituency during the 1954 elections, Dr. Hilla Limann contested alongside Imoro Egala, E.K. Mumuni Dimbie, Abu Kankpa, and Alidu Kanton. All, except Egala, ran as independent candidates. Egala, allegedly influenced by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was promised the position of Minister of Health — a promise Nkrumah also reportedly made to Naa Gandah in the Lawra-Nandom Constituency.

The race was competitive. Nkrumah hoped to use Egala to gain a foothold in the NPP-dominated region. Because of the geopolitical diversity within the Tumu Constituency, where each candidate came from a distinct traditional area, Egala's candidacy benefited from divided loyalties. He eventually won and was indeed appointed Minister of Health, confirming the speculation around Nkrumah's influence.

It is worth noting that the NPP held 32 seats in Parliament at the time, with S.D. Dombois is serving as the Minority Leader.

The 1956 reckoning

In the 1956 parliamentary elections, the NPP nominated Mumuni Dimbie to challenge Imoro Egala. Dr. Limann, who was then abroad for further studies, threw his support behind the NPP candidate, opposing his former teacher once again. By then, most northern intellectuals had joined the NPP, further strengthening its base. Dimbie defeated Egala by 341 votes.

However, Dimbie was later convicted in a legal case, resulting in his seat being declared vacant. A by-election was held in 1959, and Imoro Egala, unopposed, reclaimed the seat and was reappointed as Minister of Health. Though many saw this as political manipulation by the CPP, Egala never showed bitterness toward his northern colleagues who had openly opposed him.

Liman's return and political rebirth

Dr. Limann returned to Ghana in 1965 with a PhD, serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a diplomat. By that time, Ghana had become a one-party state. The overthrow of the Nkrumah government in 1966 changed Ghana’s political trajectory and opened the door for Limann to enter active politics.

By 1979, agitation against the Acheampong regime was widespread, led by civil groups including lawyers, teachers, and nurses. Limann was an active voice, publishing articles critical of military rule. That same year, J.J. Rawlings and a group of junior officers overthrew the government and quickly restored democratic rule.

The PNP and the rise of Liman

During this transitional period, Alhaji Imoro Egala formed the People’s National Party (PNP), uniting many former CPP members. The PNP attracted renowned intellectuals, wealthy businessmen, and traditional leaders under the slogan "Unity and Service", with a focus on the welfare of ordinary citizens. The Danquah-Busia tradition was fractured at the time, splitting into the Popular Front Party (PFP) and the United National Convention (UNC), making the PNP more appealing.

Egala, a natural leader of the PNP, was prevented from standing as a presidential candidate due to adverse findings in a Committee of Enquiry report regarding his tenure as Minister of Industries. He stepped aside voluntarily. The next obvious choice was Mumuni Bawumia, but he too was under investigation. Dr. John Nabila, another potential candidate, was under the constitutional age requirement of 40.

Egala argued that a northern candidate would give the party the best chance of winning, especially since the NPP’s influence had diminished after merging with others to form the United Party (UP).

Egala was tasked with finding a suitable candidate — and he turned to Dr. Hilla Limann, the very student he had once taught, who had contested against him in 1954 and supported his opponent in 1956.

Though some believed Egala was imposing a "puppet," the party accepted Limann as their candidate. His nomination stirred some controversy, especially given his earlier leanings toward the Danquah-Busia tradition. Nonetheless, under Egala’s guidance, Limann stayed the course.

The PNP contested the elections, and Dr. Hilla Limann became President of the Republic of Ghana.

Conclusions: Be measured in your dealings

This story illustrates one timeless truth: There is always tomorrow. Treat your political opponents with respect. They may become your greatest allies. In politics — as in life — relationships matter more than rivalry.

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