Physician and a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kobina Arthur Kennedy, has cautioned political supporters against expecting personal rewards for their loyalty, arguing that political parties cannot cater for every “foot soldier” and that voting should be based on principles, not material benefits.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Dr Kennedy said supporters must stop linking their political choices to promises of jobs, money, or favours, insisting that such expectations undermine democratic values.

“No party can take care of all food soldiers. It will never happen,” he said. “You don’t support a party because somebody will put money in your pocket or give you a scholarship when you don’t deserve it or a job you are unqualified for. You support a party because you think its principles will make society better.”

Dr Kennedy made the comments in the wake of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s victory in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, which saw the former Vice President emerge as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general election.

Drawing comparisons with politics in the United States, Dr Kennedy explained that voters in mature democracies often align with parties based on ideology rather than personal gain.

“In the US, you vote Republican because maybe you like lower taxes and deregulation. You vote for Democrats because you like affirmative action,” he noted. “The idea is that you think the principles of the party will make society better, so you can also benefit.”

He stressed that long-term national development depends on citizens supporting policies and values that promote good governance, rather than short-term personal interests.

Dr Bawumia’s victory in the NPP primaries on January 31 has been widely interpreted as a consolidation of his influence within the party, ahead of the 2028 polls. Since his win, discussions have intensified around party unity, campaign strategy, and the expectations of grassroots supporters.

Dr Kennedy, who has been a vocal commentator on national affairs and governance, urged supporters across the political divide to focus on policies, competence, and integrity when making political choices.

“Politics should be about building a better society for everyone,” he said, “not just what an individual can get in return.”