By Prince Ahenkorah
A political earthquake just hit the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a move that could send tremors across the nation’s political landscape, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, a respected political analyst and once-prominent NPP figure, has dramatically announced his departure from the party. But he’s not just leaving; he’s launching a brand-new political force: the New Patriotic Front (NPF).
Dr. Amoako Baah, who was instrumental in the NPP’s 2016 electoral triumph – serving on the party’s manifesto committee and as a key member of the Ashanti Regional campaign team – didn’t hold back.
He openly declared that the current NPP leadership has completely lost touch with its grassroots and has veered far from the foundational principles upon which the party was built.
Speaking with JoyNews, Dr. Baah minced no words, stating unequivocally: “I am not a member of the NPP. Even after today, I’ll quit. I don’t think I want to join it anymore.”
His bombshell announcement was swiftly followed by a revealing appearance on TV3’s KeyPoint show, where he formally unveiled his grand plan to birth the New Patriotic Front.
According to him, this nascent party will serve as a sanctuary for those disillusioned with the NPP’s current trajectory, offering a path back to the core ideals of integrity, people-centered governance, and national service.
“We would like to leave the patriotic in there so that people can see this is the real patriotic party, not the other one,” Dr. Baah asserted, making it clear his new venture aims to reclaim the true essence of patriotism in Ghanaian politics.
He emphasized that the name New Patriotic Front isn’t arbitrary; it’s a calculated and strategic choice, designed to resonate with familiarity while unequivocally signaling a fresh direction.
Dr. Baah envisions an inclusive party, one that will draw members not only from the NPP but also from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as independent political players.
Intriguingly, Dr. Baah hinted at some high-profile political figures, including individuals who have previously vied for the presidency, are already working behind the scenes to help shape this new political entity.
Preparations for the NPF’s official launch are already well underway, Dr. Amoako Baah revealed, with numerous meetings scheduled with the “big brains” laying the groundwork for the party’s foundation.
However, a cloud of concern hangs over the prospective registration of the NPF. Dr. Amoako Baah openly voiced his worries that the Electoral Commission (EC) might throw obstacles in their path.
“We suspect that the Electoral Commission may not even agree to register the New Patriotic Front,” he stated, raising red flags about potential political interference.
Despite these apprehensions, Dr. Baah remains resolute and optimistic. He firmly believes that once officially launched, the New Patriotic Front will garner significant support, particularly from the vast number of Ghanaians disenchanted with the current political status quo.
Could this new political force truly reshape Ghana’s political landscape? Only time will tell.