Bolgatanga: John Boadu, an aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has outlined plans to overhaul the party's disciplinary system. He emphasized the need for faster and more decisive disciplinary action to restore unity, strengthen internal structures, and reposition the party ahead of the 2028 general elections. Speaking in Bolgatanga, Boadu responded to a question about instilling discipline within the party, identifying the lengthy disciplinary procedures as a major obstacle to maintaining order and accountability among members.
According to Ghana Web, Boadu highlighted that the current system often takes more than six months to conclude disciplinary cases involving party members whose actions have allegedly brought the NPP into disrepute. He argued that such delays weaken the effectiveness of sanctions because, by the time a decision is reached, the controversy has often faded from public attention, while the reputational damage to the party has already been done.
Boadu stated that, if given the mandate to lead the party, he would introduce reforms to ensure that disciplinary matters are handled promptly, fairly, and without unnecessary delays. 'One of the biggest challenges confronting our party is the excessively long disciplinary process. Today, it can take over six months before disciplinary action is concluded against a member whose conduct has damaged the image of the party. By that time, the issue has lost its urgency, the damage has been done, and the deterrent effect is gone,' he stated.
He stressed that timely disciplinary action is essential to preserving the integrity and credibility of the party, adding that 'discipline delayed is discipline denied.' The former NPP General Secretary further emphasized that while party members are entitled to certain rights, they also have a responsibility to respect the party's Constitution, internal rules, and decisions taken by its recognized leadership.
Boadu argued that membership of any organization requires commitment to its guiding principles. 'You cannot claim to belong to an institution while openly rejecting its rules, values, and legitimate decisions. Just as one cannot remain in good standing in the Catholic Church while publicly rejecting its core beliefs, every NPP member must respect and abide by the party's Constitution, rules, and duly taken decisions,' he said.
Boadu maintained that discipline remains the foundation of party unity, insisting that a united political party is better positioned to earn the trust of the electorate and win elections. He said restoring respect for the party's structures and enforcing accountability among members would help rebuild confidence within the NPP and improve its public image after recent internal challenges.
According to him, strengthening internal discipline forms part of a broader vision to reorganize and rebrand the NPP ahead of the next general elections. 'A disciplined party is a united party. A united party is a winning party. We must restore respect for our structures, strengthen internal discipline, and rebuild the confidence of our members and the Ghanaian people. That is how we will rebrand the NPP, reconnect with the electorate, and return to government in 2029,' he stated.