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NPP Flagbearer Hopeful Raises Concerns of Intimidation and Division within the Party
In a recent radio interview with US-based Kings Radio, Kennedy Agyapong, a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana, made startling allegations against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Agyapong claimed that Bawumia had promised the vice presidential slot to seven Ashanti Regional Members of Parliament (MPs), sparking controversy and concerns within the party.
During the interview conducted on September 24, 2023, Agyapong expressed his belief that if Bawumia were to become the party’s flagbearer, it would likely result in the NPP losing the upcoming elections and being pushed into opposition. He shed light on the alleged intimidation tactics employed in the Ashanti Region, stating that 47 MPs had been affected by the quest for the vice presidential position.
“What they are doing in the Ashanti Region, 47 MPs have been intimidated, all because of one vice president position. They have promised 7 of the Ashanti regional MPs for the vice president’s slots, and they are pushing everybody because they want the vice president position,” Agyapong claimed.
Agyapong further emphasized the intensity of the competition within the party, indicating that a total of 17 individuals were vying for the vice presidential slot. He criticized the notion that Bawumia, despite his public statements, would be able to defeat former President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming elections. Agyapong accused those involved in the alleged promise of being driven by greed and selfishness, endangering the party’s chances of securing victory.
However, it is important to note that these allegations made by Agyapong are his personal claims and have not been independently verified. The NPP is currently preparing to elect a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the leader of the party. The internal election is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2023.
Among the contenders for the NPP flagbearership slot are Kennedy Agyapong himself, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh. As the race for the party’s leadership intensifies, these allegations by Agyapong have added a new dimension to the political landscape, highlighting potential divisions and concerns within the NPP.
It remains to be seen how the party leadership will respond to these claims and whether any investigations will be conducted to ascertain their veracity. The NPP will need to address these internal challenges promptly to ensure unity and focus as they approach the upcoming elections, where they will aim to retain their position as the ruling party in Ghana.
