“Some things should be left for internal politicking” – Dr. Adomako Kissi defends NPP’s decision to keep report confidential

Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom and a staunch member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has defended the party’s decision not to make the much-anticipated Oquaye post-election report public.

Speaking on ABC Midday News on Thursday, Dr. Adomako Kissi remarked, “Some things should be left for internal politicking.” According to him, the report is currently in the hands of party leadership who are deliberating on its recommendations, stressing that it is an internal working document not meant for public consumption.

His comments come in the wake of growing calls for transparency following the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections. The report, put together by a 12-member committee chaired by Professor Mike Oquaye, was officially submitted to the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, April 16. In response, the party has set up a new nine-member committee tasked with reviewing the party’s constitution and proposing reforms to address systemic gaps and structural issues cited in the report.

Despite the electoral loss, Dr. Adomako Kissi emphasized the need to show gratitude to supporters of the party. “Though we did not win, we need to appreciate the votes we had,” he said, announcing that the party will embark on a nationwide “Thank You Tour” beginning next week.

Addressing tensions within the party regarding who should be included in the tour, particularly the controversy around involving former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Kissi pushed back against efforts to exclude him.

“It will be unfair to say we should totally disengage. He has his fanbase also,” he argued. “I beg to differ in that sense that some people were impacted by the former president.”

He urged party faithful to look forward and focus on rebuilding, particularly with youth engagement and electoral strategy. “The focus is to find ways to make the party attractive to the youth and to win back our seats. We need to refocus on these two things,” he stated.