Tweneboa Kodua, General Secretary of the Asante Youth Association (AYA), has expressed deep concern over the declining standards of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), attributing it to the rise of incompetent individuals in party leadership roles.
His remarks come amid a recent controversy involving Kwame Baffoe Abronye, Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, who was accused by former Member of Parliament and Minister of State Dr. Richard Anane of disrespecting former President John Agyekum Kufuor during an NPP meeting.
In an interview on AbusuaNkommo on Abusua965FM with Kojo Marfo monitored by Kumasimail, Kodua painted a grim picture of the current state of the party, saying the NPP he once knew no longer exists, as the standards have deteriorated drastically.
“There is no standard in the party because of foolish people play,” Kodua stated firmly.
He lamented the erosion of traditional respect and discipline, which are core values among Akans and Asantes, particularly toward elders and former leaders.
Kodua pointedly asked, “How on earth is it that when John Agyekum Kufuor speaks, you want to disrespect him? If we say you’re disrespecting someone, we are all Akans, Asantes. If an elder is speaking, your facial expression could suggest disrespect, or the way you stand before him might show disrespect. Or are we saying we don’t know all these customs?.”
According to Kodua, the current political culture promotes financial power as the basis for control, replacing respect and decorum.
“Now anyone who doesn’t respect has entered politics, and the standard is that if you get money, you control people, so no one cares about standards anymore,” he added.
Highlighting a contrast to earlier times, Kodua recalled how party members under his leadership would immediately seek to clarify misunderstandings with elders to maintain party unity and respect.
“What Dr. Anane said, if you are someone nurtured in NPP politics, like in a conservative party, the first thing you would do is contact Dr. Anane to explain what transpired at the meeting.”
He cited Alfred Anye as an example, who would personally contact Dr. Anane and Baah Wiredu to explain any issues arising from meetings, respecting party elders and protocol.
“If you insult elders like that, you would be sacked by leaders like Mac Manu, Jack, or Odoi-Sykes. Today, there is no such standard.”
