In a heartfelt call to action, former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has urged his New Patriotic Party (NPP) to draw lessons from the biblical story of Nehemiah as they work to rebuild after a crushing electoral defeat.
Comparing the party’s current state to the ruins of Jerusalem, Agyarko reminded members that success will demand a collective effort, unwavering determination, and a return to their core values.
“Nehemiah, in sorrow, sought the permission and assistance of King Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem, his city, which lay in ruins. Despite opposition and sabotage from the likes of Sanballat, Tobiah, and Gesham, he pressed on with determination and faith,” Agyarko stated.
“Through hard work and support from like-minded companions, Nehemiah finished his task to the glory of God.”
The challenges facing the NPP are immense, but Agyarko believes the party can prevail if it embraces a mindset of sincerity, trustworthiness, and discipline.
He highlighted the importance of staying focused amidst distractions and overcoming discouragement, which he described as inevitable after a significant defeat. “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us if we stand firm,” he declared.
Agyarko also stressed the need for unity within the party, calling for every member to feel valued and involved.
“No longer must the call be ‘all hands on deck’ when we are in the trenches of opposition, only for it to change to ‘a few selected hands on deck’ when we gain power. Every member of this party is important and must be treated as such.”
To inspire resilience, he quoted Rudyard Kipling’s iconic poem If, urging party members to maintain their resolve even when facing adversity.
“If you can bear to hear the truth you have spoken, twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build them up with worn-out tools… then together, we can triumph,” Agyarko concluded.
