Speaking at a commemorative event marking the 44th anniversary of the revolution in Ada in the Greater Accra Region on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Mr Kwetey reflected on the party’s resilience following its defeat in the 2016 general elections. 

He recalled that period as one when many believed the NDC had reached the end of the road, drawing parallels with the aftermath of the party’s loss of power in 2000, when critics similarly predicted its collapse.

The commemoration was held on the theme “Consolidating the Reset Agenda: Reflections on the Gains of the 31st December Revolution”.

Addressing supporters and cadres, Mr Kwetey attributed the endurance of the NDC to the revolutionary spirit ignited 44 years ago, stressing that the 31st December Revolution was not driven by individual ambition but by a collective resolve to serve the national interest.

“There is a spirit that holds this party together, a never-say-die spirit. No matter how dark it becomes, that spirit always finds a way to rise again,” he said.

He recalled that in the early days of the revolution, the late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings discouraged the display of his portraits in public offices, insisting that the movement was about the people rather than personal glorification.

Quoting Rawlings, Mr Kwetey said the ultimate aim was to build a system so resilient that even a corrupt leader would be constrained by the vigilance of the people. “That is the bedrock of the revolution, a spirit that rejects sycophancy, rejects bootlicking and places the welfare of the people above all else,” he said.

Touching on what he described as a growing culture of sycophancy within the party, the NDC General Secretary warned that blind praise of leaders for personal gain undermines democratic values and the integrity of the party. “You don’t love this country or this party if all you do is sing praises in the hope of personal benefit,” he cautioned.

On the party’s return to power, Mr Kwetey said the overwhelming mandate given to the NDC by Ghanaians in the last general elections, including a strong parliamentary majority, was beyond human expectation and should be met with humility and gratitude.

He urged party members serving in government to remain disciplined and avoid scandals, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, adding that the NDC must continue to govern in a manner that justifies the trust placed in it by the people.

Mr Kwetey called on party members to place Ghana and the NDC above individual ambition, remain humble in victory and stay committed to the revolutionary principles that have sustained the party over the decades.