"We can survive this 4 years in opposition" – Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea

Former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, has called for calm and unity within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging party members to remain focused and rally around a central symbol of leadership during this period of opposition.

Speaking in a reflective tone, the former legislator noted that although the party’s 2024 presidential bid, led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ended in defeat, it would be premature and destabilizing for members to begin jostling for power or leadership at this early stage.

“Who should lead the party? With the greatest of respect, I think history should guide us. Dr. Bawumia led us into a major political battle. Though we did not emerge victorious, the leadership he symbolizes should not be quickly discarded,” he said.

Atta Akyea cautioned against internal wrangling and what he described as “rocking the boat” too soon after the party’s electoral loss.

He emphasized that the party’s immediate priority should be to heal, stabilize, and present a united front as a strong opposition force.

“Right now, we are seeing some battle lines being drawn already, and I think it's too early in the day for that appetite for power to resurface. The cracks are deep. It’s a storm. But let’s be honest: this party has faced such turbulence before. We can survive this four years in opposition,” he stressed.

According to the former MP, the party must find something or someone to rally around—be it a person, the party’s flag, or its core ideals—if it is to remain relevant and credible heading into the next electoral cycle.

“We need stability. People need something they can rally around. I thought we should have rallied around Dr. Bawumia. But whatever the case, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. The time for division is not now,” he added.

Atta Akyea’s comments come amid growing tension and early political maneuvering within the NPP.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith