NPP Council of Elders urges strict adherence to party constitution

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September 26, 2024
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The Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region has called for the strict enforcement of the party’s constitution at all levels to address persistent internal disputes, particularly in the Bosome-Freho Constituency. The Council’s appeal followed a series of engagements aimed at resolving disunity among party members in the constituency.

During an assessment visit to Bosome-Freho, it became evident that unresolved tensions among party executives, members and stakeholders could hinder the NPP’s chances of mobilizing a united front ahead of the 2024 elections.

The Vice Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders, Dr. Moussa Jebir Kebir, emphasized the need for reconciliation, urging stakeholders to set aside past grievances for the greater good of the party.

“It is essential that both current and past executives in the Bosome-Freho constituency come together in unity. The party cannot afford internal strife as we gear up for the campaign to ‘break the 8’,” Dr. Jebir Kebir stated.

Victor Owusu, Secretary to the NPP Council of Elders, emphasised the Council’s objective of facilitating fair resolution of disputes within constituencies grappling with internal conflicts. He highlighted the Council’s commitment to ensuring all parties involved in disputes were given equal opportunities to be heard, with the aim of fostering lasting peace.

“We have been working with constituencies facing challenges, and Bosome-Freho has been a key focus for some time. After several engagements with stakeholders here, it’s clear that adherence to the NPP constitution is critical to resolving their issues and moving forward as a unified force,” Mr. Owusu remarked.

Mr. Owusu further advised constituency stakeholders to promote peace, and prioritize the interests of the party, as well as its 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The Bosome-Freho constituency has been fraught with internal disputes, prompting the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders to intervene. Earlier this month, the Council successfully negotiated an out-of-court settlement between a founding member, Mr. Yaw Amoah Gyamih, and the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Mr. Kwame Asafo Adjei Ayeh. The case, which concerned the eligibility of the parliamentary candidate, was withdrawn from the Kumasi High Court following the Council’s intervention.

Mr. Gyamih, who also serves as the chairman of the Council of Elders in the Bosome-Freho Constituency, encouraged both the youth and the newly elected executives to build on the efforts of their predecessors. He stressed the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence within the party.

“Since 1992, I have dedicated myself to building this constituency and the NPP as a whole. However, it is disheartening to see the division among us. I urge everyone to come together and strengthen the party for the challenges ahead,” Mr. Gyamih said.

The Bosome-Freho Constituency Chairman, Mr. Kwaku Frimpong, also pleaded for forgiveness from party members, and pledged to work together to build a stronger and more cohesive NPP in the area. He, therefore, called for ceasefire between factions within the party and unity to ‘break the 8’.

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Politics

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October 8, 2024
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3 minutes Read

Bawumia has disarmed NDC’s ethnocentric strategy- Kwabena Agyepong

Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has stated that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has effectively disarmed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), neutralizing the party’s ethnocentric campaign strategy.

In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Mr. Agyepong explained that the NDC had historically relied on an ethnically charged narrative to portray the NPP as an “Akan party” in an effort to win over voters, particularly from the northern regions and Zongo communities. However, he said, this narrative had been significantly disrupted with the election of Dr. Bawumia, Northerner and Muslim, as the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer.

According to Agyepong, Dr. Bawumia’s selection signalled a new chapter in Ghanaian politics, where ethnicity and religion no longer defined party allegiance. He noted that Dr Bawumia’s candidacy exemplified the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity and national unity, moving beyond traditional ethnic lines.

“This is the first time in Ghana’s political history that the NPP has selected a Northern Muslim as its flagbearer, and this has completely disarmed the NDC’s ethnocentric propaganda, which they have used to great effect since the 1980s,” Mr. Agyepong noted.

He pointed out that, for decades, the NDC had leaned on the historical Alien Compliance Order and similar events to foster ethnic divisions, accusing the NPP of marginalizing people from northern Ghana. With Dr. Bawumia leading the NPP, Mr Agyepong believes the opposition’s main weapon has been taken away.

“I’m pretty confident that we may surprise a few in Accra. For the first time, electing Dr. Bawumia has disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon. Since 1982, they have been masters in ethnocentric campaigns, labeling the NPP as an Ashanti or Akan party. But now, that message has no foundation,” he emphasised.

Mr Agyepong further recalled how NDC members, including its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, doubted whether the NPP would ever allow Dr. Bawumia to lead, due to his background. “Their candidate publicly questioned whether Dr. Bawumia would be given the nod, saying the NPP was an ‘Akan party’ that would never allow a Northerner to lead. But the party thought otherwise, and voted overwhelmingly for Dr Bawumia, with 61% of the vote. Now, the NDC is struggling to find a coherent message,” he remarked.

Despite the challenges the NPP faces, including internal divisions, Mr. Agyepong expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2024 general elections. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as a unifying force that strengthens the party’s appeal, particularly in swing regions such as Greater Accra.

He also noted the NPP’s growing influence in traditionally NDC-dominated areas, stating, “We’re now fighting them on their turf, in areas we previously didn’t have a strong presence. Our grassroots support is very strong, and with Bawumia at the helm, we are positioned to win over voters in regions where the NPP was once less competitive.”

Politics

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October 5, 2024
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2 minutes Read

NPP PCs urged to spend at least 4 days weekly in constituencies

The leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive mandating all its parliamentary candidates to spend a “minimum of four days per week” in their respective constituencies to strengthen their campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming December 7 general elections.

According to the press statement issued by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong on Friday, October 4, the party has observed that some parliamentary candidates are not consistently present in their constituencies.

It said that the lack of engagement raises concerns about the potential impact on the party’s performance in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

“You should know that this lack of engagement would significantly affect our electoral fortunes in both presidential and parliamentary elections,” part of the statement read.

In light of this, the party has taken the matter seriously and expects all parliamentary candidates to dedicate sufficient time to engage with constituents.

The party has also directed regional campaign teams to monitor and report on the activities of the candidates.

“The regional campaign teams are hereby directed to submit weekly reports of the activities of their parliamentary candidates to the National Secretariat. We trust in your usual attention and cooperation in this matter,” the statement added.