A member for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed the emergence of a new political movement, “The Base,” as unlikely to significantly alter the country’s political landscape, while warning it could still create internal challenges.
Andrew Asungiiba Atariwine, a former regional communicator for Kennedy Agyapong, said in a radio interview that the new group does not have the capacity to become a viable third force capable of influencing election outcomes.
“I don’t think it is a party or a force that can occupy a third position and decisively determine elections,” he said, adding that Ghana’s political space would continue to be dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP for the foreseeable future.
Mr Atariwine suggested that many of those behind “The Base” are disaffected members or sympathizers of the NPP, particularly supporters of Agyapong, who contested the party’s presidential primaries. He criticized the decision to form a new political party, arguing that grievances should be resolved internally.
“If you love the party, you stay and work to improve it, not break away,” he said.
He also rejected any suggestion that Agyapong is backing the new movement, insisting the former lawmaker remains committed to the NPP and its future electoral prospects. Mr Atariwine called on Agyapong to publicly distance himself from the group to prevent speculation and political exploitation by opponents.
“Silence can be interpreted as consent in politics,” he said, urging an immediate statement to reaffirm party unity.
While downplaying the electoral strength of the new group, Mr Atariwine acknowledged that even minor political movements can affect outcomes in closely contested races by splitting votes or providing leverage to rivals.
He warned that the governing NDC could capitalize on internal divisions within the NPP, describing the development as a potential “second punch” in an already competitive political environment.
Mr Atariwine also criticized what he described as the party’s inadequate efforts to address internal dissatisfaction, saying leadership should have engaged aggrieved members earlier to prevent a breakaway.
“This is how third forces begin,” he said, citing international examples of emerging political movements gaining traction over time.
Despite his concerns, he maintained that “The Base” currently lacks the structure and support to pose a major threat but emphasized the need for stronger unity and communication within the NPP ahead of the 2028 elections.
Separately, Mr Atariwine expressed support for the government’s proposed free primary healthcare initiative, describing it as a positive step toward improving preventive care and reducing long-term health costs.
