A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Talensi, Patrick Baninipuni Luu, has strongly criticized the growing influence of money and one-man rule in Ghana’s politics, describing it as a departure from the party’s original values.
Speaking to A1 Radio’s David Azure during the NPP’s Talensi Constituency internal elections on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the 76-year-old Mr. Luu said politics in the past was driven by sacrifice rather than personal gain.
“From 1969-72 up to 2000, there was nothing like monocracy and monetization in politics. Today there is monocracy and monetization,” Mr. Luu said.
“What has changed is self-interest and self-centeredness. In those days, it was individual contributions from your own pocket. You used the money at your own discretion. If I tell you that I could use a bicycle, I would pedal my bicycle to cover this place, even go to Bongo, and I would not ask government or my party to give me pure water or what we call lunch. That’s voluntarism.”
The NPP stalwart said the core principle of partisan politics is to serve the people, not oneself.
“My little knowledge of government and partisan politics is that the party prioritizes the welfare of the people and the citizens, and not your own welfare. The pursuit of self-welfare has gone too far,” he stated.
Mr. Luu made the remarks as delegates in Talensi gathered to elect new constituency executives, a process he said must be guided by commitment to party ideals rather than financial inducement.
His comments add to growing concerns within the NPP and other political parties about the rising cost of internal elections and the increasing influence of wealthy individuals in party structures.
Party faithful in Talensi have been urged to elect leaders who will focus on grassroots mobilization and unity ahead of the 2028 general elections.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Talensi |
