Fifi Kwetey admits political mercenaries exist within NDC

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, has acknowledged that political mercenaries operate within Ghana's political parties, including his own, warning that the practice undermines party discipline and national development.

Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express, Mr Kwetey said many people join political parties primarily for personal benefits rather than a commitment to the ideals and objectives of the organisations.

He described a political mercenary as someone whose involvement in a party is driven by personal interest rather than a shared national purpose.

"A mercenary is somebody who is literally in it just for himself. If he gets his benefit, he can motivate everybody because all he wants is himself. And that is not what it is that we should have," he said.

"We should have people who join a cause because first of all, they believe that this group will be able to make the country better."

Mr Kwetey said the NDC was working towards building a party in which collective interests take precedence over individual ambitions.

He acknowledged that the tendency for people to join political parties in anticipation of personal rewards had become common, partly because political organisations had allowed the practice to persist.

"Many people join parties fundamentally because of what they can get. And that sadly has been the reality. And because the political parties have allowed it. But that should not be," he said.

He stressed that party members must recognise that "the party as a collective is far more important than the individuals".

The NDC General Secretary's comments come amid broader concerns about money politics, patronage and indiscipline within Ghana's political parties.

The NDC has also faced allegations of vote-buying during its internal elections, raising questions about the influence of financial inducements in party organisation and leadership contests.

Mr Kwetey said the party would continue working towards a political culture in which members are driven by shared values and a commitment to national development rather than expectations of personal gain.