Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has said the party must return to its foundational values of integrity, selflessness, and service.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Agyepong, who has officially declared his intention to contest the NPP’s 2026 presidential primaries, said he wants to be a symbol of the values that once anchored the party.

“I want to represent the soul of the NPP and the values of honesty, humility, and hard work. That’s the kind of leadership I stand for,” he said.

He recalled how, in 1992, it was life-threatening to openly associate with the NPP, then symbolised by the elephant. Yet, he and others chose to stand up for what they believed in.

“At the time, it was dangerous to be identified with the elephant. There was only one state broadcaster, and when you spoke there, everyone was listening. It wasn’t easy, but we took the risk to defend the party’s vision,” he recounted.

Mr. Agyepong said he put his career as a professional engineer on the line when he chose to speak publicly for the NPP during the early days of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

“I was young, and it wasn’t easy. But I took the bold step to campaign for Prof. Adu Boahen. I didn’t do it for money or recognition, but for the love of Ghana and the party.”

He urged the party to return to its roots of sacrifice and public service, warning that public respect for politics is dwindling.

“We need to restore the moral compass of our politics. If we don’t go back to the core values that brought us this far, the people’s trust in politics will continue to erode,” he stressed.

Mr. Agyepong also touched on issues of empathy and economic discipline, lamenting how Ghanaians have allowed money to take control of their lives.

“We’ve let money rule us as a people. Many are living beyond their means, and that’s a serious concern for us as a country,” he stated.

He said his personal experiences have shaped his empathy for ordinary Ghanaians and his resolve to promote a new kind of politics.

“I’ve been in tough situations, and I know what it means to struggle. That’s why I believe it’s time for a new kind of Ghanaian politician—one who serves, not one who exploits.”