The National Democratic Congress (NDC) General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has taken aim at self-interest within the party, urging leaders to place the collective above personal gain.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, he stressed that the rank-and-file understand this principle better than some senior figures.

“I don’t look at these things as an individual thing at all. That’s why I’m concerned. This is always about the collective. If there is anything in it, it is always wanting to ensure that we place the collective ahead of our individual interests,” Fifi Kwetey said.

He noted a persistent problem in party leadership: the prioritisation of personal ambition over collective goals.

“Sadly, too many people believe that the interests of the individual must always be ahead of the interests of the collective, even though we proclaim the collective interest when we are out there,” he said.

“Deep down, when it comes to the crunch, and we have to make a choice between personal interest and equality interest, too many people go for the personal rather than equality. I absolutely believe that the group must always be number one. The individual must always be number two.”

Fifi Kwetey extended this principle beyond party politics, arguing that national interest should outweigh partisan loyalty.

“Even when it comes to the party in the country, I’m always very categorical. The country must always be number one and the party number two.

"If it’s a choice between Ghana and NDC and me, it must always be Ghana first. Once we understand that hierarchy, there will be no door issues,” he said.

Highlighting the political awareness of ordinary citizens, Kwetey said voters are increasingly rejecting empty promises in favour of long-term solutions.

“I think this country, by and large, is tired of business as usual. What we saw in that election is simply a manifestation of the fact that the country is far more discerning than many people give it credit for. People are now looking at something more lasting, something more enduring,” he said.

Fifi Kwetey predicted that this shift in voter expectations will continue to grow, noting that leadership that fails to recognise the primacy of the collective and the nation risks falling out of step with the people.

“Even if I don’t have a massive majority today, I have a huge number, and that number will only keep growing, because that is the only way this country will truly become great and strong, when everybody appreciates that the country must always be number one. If you belong to a group, the group must be number one, and then your personal interest will come after that,” he said.