B J da Rocha, the first National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, has warned party members to desist from practices that could undermine its electoral victory in 2008 general election.

The practices include personal attacks on some NPP presidential aspirants through text messages and email, lack of fellow feeling and companionship, and non-recognition of the party's unsung heroes. He also posited that the NPP is developing into a party which does not know how to honour its heroes.

Having received a standing ovation after what party members described as a frank speech, the pioneer chairman in noted that NPP members were principled, had faith in themselves, and were loyal and truthful to one another. Mr da Rocha, expressed these sentiments when he addressed party faithful at GIMPA under the Founder's Forum organised by the party as part of activities to mark the fifteenth anniversary. The forum was held to recognise the contribution of the party’s founding members and patrons. A minute’s silent was observed for the party’s departed heroes. According to him, there is a general lack of excitement and enthusiasm among party supporters saying, "It is a great pity that the feeling and spirit that bonded us together is not strong now. I see signs of indifference and lack of enthusiasm for the party." He attributed the situation to the fact the NPP in government has failed to recognise those foot soldiers who toiled and suffered to bring the party this far because of their belief in fighting for a good cause.

If the trend is not checked so as to create role models in the NPP, the younger generation will feel reluctant to toil for the party, he submitted. Mr da Rocha said he had received numerous complaints from party members in that direction but stressed, "what these people want is recognition and not money." He stated the need to constantly remind the younger generation of where the NPP came from for them to continue the fight rather than taking things for granted. Breaking his silence on the NPP presidential race, Mr da Rocha described it as a "perilous marathon" and condemned recent developments in the campaign of some aspirants.

His plea to the aspirants was, "please gentlemen [most of them were present], if you want to be the President of Ghana, you should behave like honest and decent gentlemen."

The former NPP national chairman said the situation was disturbing and unfortunate, and appealed to the aspirants to run a decent campaign.

"I refuse to believe it [negative campaign message] is coming from our party. But if it is coming from the NPP, in the name of God, they must stop it," he stated. On the other hand, he urged party members not to repeat the negative campaign messages that could possibly come from NPP opponents adding, "if not you will be doing the devil’s work for him." Mr da Rocha maintains that NPP remains a great tradition which has a great future but pointed out that its success or otherwise will depend on how present developments are handled. Peter Ala Adjetey, also a former NPP National Chairman, addressing the party audience called on the presidential aspirants to do a thorough self-assessment of their chances and if they find themselves incapable of meeting the mark, to honourably withdraw in the interest of the party.

Citing his experience of withdrawing from the NPP presidential race in 1992, Mr Ala Adjatey, a former Speaker, said it is reasonable and honourable to abandon the ambition if the chances of winning are slim but added, "it is a matter of choice."

"Every one must be true to himself. Know thyself," he quoted Socrates. The former Speaker, however, concedes that because the NPP is a democratic tradition every dues paying member in good standing has a right to contest for the flagbearership.