“What you believe in and value dictates, in large measure, what you do and how you think and act” Boakye Agyarko, Whats Property-Owning Democracy? Daily Graphic, October 25, 2022.
What is ideology and why does it matter?
In todays complex political landscape, understanding why a political party believes what it does is more important than ever. Ideology is not just abstract philosophy or academic jargon.
It is a coherent set of beliefs and values that shape how we see the world and influence the way we govern.
These guiding principles affect how individuals and institutions approach governance, justice, economic development and social responsibility.
Simply put, ideology is the intellectual and moral compass that directs political action.
It helps differentiate leadership that is rooted in principled vision from leadership that is reactive or driven by short-term popularity.
When leadership is anchored in a clear ideology, it fosters consistency, integrity and a long-term commitment to the public good.
NPPs heritage
Ghanas New Patriotic Party (NPP) stands within a long and distinguished ideological tradition.
This tradition is defined by a commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, market-oriented development and the sanctity of individual freedoms.
The NPP is widely recognised as a centre-right party, often described as liberal conservative.
This means it combines a strong commitment to free-market economics, individual liberty and limited government intervention, with an emphasis on social values, tradition and responsible, values-based leadership.
This tradition is not a fleeting political trend.
Rather, it is a deeply rooted current of political thought shaped by generations of Ghanaian statesmen and intellectuals.
Key figures
Key figures who have shaped this tradition include George Alfred Grant, J. B. Danquah, K. A. Busia, Baffour Osei Akoto, S. D. Dombo, S. G. Antor, Obetsebi Lamptey, Albert Adu Boahen, Theresa Tagoe, Gladys Asmah, Hawa Yakubu, Elizabeth Ohene, J. A. Kufuor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Mahamudu Bawumia.
They are united not merely by party affiliation but by a shared ideological heritage that transcends generations and geography.
Dr. J. B. Danquahs early advocacy for human rights, civic liberties and constitutional governance helped lay the foundation for Ghanas democratic culture.
Dr K. A. Busia envisioned a democratic welfare society where the dignity of the individual is paramount.
His principle of freedom with responsibility and emphasis on values-based leadership remain a moral cornerstone for future generations.
Professor Adu Boahens courageous resistance during authoritarian regimes restored national faith in democratic governance and underscored the power of intellectual dissent.
His 1988 lectures, The Ghanaian Sphinx, reignited the spirit of critical thought and principled opposition.
In recent times, President Kufuor exemplified centre-right governance through fiscal discipline, private sector growth and the National Health Insurance Scheme, while President Akufo-Addos emphasis on educationexemplified by the Free SHS policyand entrepreneurship, alongside Dr Bawumias leadership in digital innovation, continues to advance this tradition in modern governance.
Patriotic Institute
On June 25, 2025, former President J. A. Kufuor launched the NPPs Patriotic Institute (PI). According to the Partys General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the Institutes mission is to nurture a new generation of leaders and party faithful who deeply understand the NPPs history, ideology and constitution.
President Kufuor called for honest self-reflection and unity within the party, warning, If we do not change our minds and think critically, we risk losing our place in Ghanas political future.
He stressed that the Institute must cultivate an understanding of power as a responsibility to serve the common humanity central to the NPPs tradition.
The Patriotic Institute will safeguard this legacy by promoting values-based leadership, rural transformation and democratic empowerment.
Like the Busia Institute and other governance think tanks worldwide, it will serve as a vital hub for civic education, policy research and leadership development.
Ideological literacy
Understanding political ideology is not the exclusive domain of academics or politicians.
For Ghana to deepen its democratic culture, citizens must grasp the philosophical foundations of the policies they support or contest.
Ideological literacy empowers the electorate to make informed choices and demand higher standards of accountability and vision from their leaders.
The Patriotic Institutes work is a clarion call to recover the moral and philosophical dimensions of politics and to reaffirm the enduring belief that ideas matter, principles endure and ideology transforms societies.
In a time when political expediency often overshadows principle, the Patriotic Institute offers hope.
It reminds us that leadership grounded in conviction, values and thoughtful governance is essential to Ghanas continued progress and democratic resilience.
The writer is the Executive Director, Busia Institute for Rural and Democratic Development (BIRDD)
Email: anane.agyei@busiainstitute.org