Bold claim: internal power struggles nearly derailed Kufuor’s first bid, and the same fierce rivalry is flaring in today’s NPP contest. John Agyekum Kufuor, who served as Ghana’s President from January 2001 to January 2009, drew a direct line between the current presidential campaign tensions and the challenges he faced nearly three decades ago when he first sought the presidency.
In 1996, Kufuor vied for the NPP flagbearership but lost to Rawlings, securing about 39 percent of the vote. He notes that this result triggered harsh internal backlash, with some party members urging that he should not be the candidate again. Speaking in an interview on the Delay Show, Kufuor described a concerted effort to undermine him through propaganda, including a false accusation that he diverted campaign funds into private accounts in the United States. This was all aimed at stopping his nomination.
Kufuor recalled, “When they declared I had 39%—and I think that was exceptional—Rawlings won, but wasn’t allowed to run again and had to step down. Even before that, some people in my party wanted me out.” The allegations against him were taken seriously enough to warrant a formal investigation. A committee led by A. K. Deku, requested by the party’s then-chairman Peter Ala Adjetey, looked into the matter, but the accusers could not substantiate their claims when called to testify. The controversy highlighted internal rivals within the party, mirroring the current battleground the NPP faces in its ongoing campaign.
Ultimately, the party endorsed Kufuor for another run in 1998, and he went on to win the 2000 election, securing a second victory in 2004 to complete his two-term presidency.
In related developments, GhanaWeb has released a documentary exploring evolving social dynamics tied to euphemistically described practices, such as kayamata, and their broader impact on public perception. The documentary, titled “The Dark Side of Kayamata,” delves into how manipulation and charisma influence political and social narratives. For viewers interested in the latest media projects and recognition of excellence in Ghana, GhanaWeb also announced the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards, inviting nominations to honor notable achievements across the country.
What do these episodes tell us about leadership under pressure? Do internal party rivalries help or hinder long-term success, and how should a party manage criticism while pursuing unity? Share your thoughts in the comments.
