Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his resignation from the leadership position in February 2024, just months before the general elections. His decision, which surprised many within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the time, stemmed from a confluence of factors, primarily the evolving political landscape in the Central Region and the President’s desire to strategically position the party for victory. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, recognizing the potential for internal discord and prioritizing party unity, chose to step aside gracefully rather than become a source of contention.
The political dynamics in the Central Region played a significant role in the decision. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the NPP’s main opposition, had chosen Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, a prominent figure from the Central Region, as their Vice Presidential candidate. This strategic move by the NDC was seen as a significant threat to the NPP’s traditional stronghold in the region. The party leadership, including the President, recognized the need to counter this potential shift in voter allegiance and sought a leader who could effectively resonate with the electorate in the Central Region.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the then Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, a constituency within the Central Region, emerged as the preferred choice to succeed Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. His deep roots in the region, coupled with his strong communication skills and political acumen, made him a suitable candidate to address the perceived NDC encroachment. The President, recognizing the strategic importance of regional representation in the party’s leadership structure, communicated his intention to appoint Afenyo-Markin to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a seasoned politician with a long and distinguished career, understood the rationale behind the President’s decision. He recognized the importance of party unity, especially in the lead-up to a crucial election where the NPP aimed to break the historical eight-year cycle of alternating power between the two major parties. He also acknowledged that any resistance to the President’s plan could potentially create divisions within the party and undermine their electoral prospects.
Driven by his commitment to party unity and the larger goal of securing victory in the 2024 elections, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu chose to preempt any potential conflict. He willingly stepped down from his position as Majority Leader, paving the way for Afenyo-Markin’s appointment. This decision, while surprising to some observers, demonstrated Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s political maturity and his prioritization of the collective good over personal ambition. He recognized the bigger picture and acted in a manner that he believed would best serve the interests of the NPP.
In reflecting on his decision, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed a sense of fulfillment with his contributions to the party and parliament. He emphasized his desire to avoid becoming a source of internal strife, particularly at a critical juncture in the party’s electoral journey. His willingness to step aside, even though he had initially intended to retire from Parliament after the end of the term, underscores his commitment to the NPP’s success. His actions demonstrated a deep understanding of the political realities and the strategic considerations necessary to achieve victory in a competitive electoral landscape. He chose to be a unifying force rather than a point of division, placing the party’s interests above his own. This act of selflessness, while potentially difficult, ultimately contributed to a smooth transition in leadership and allowed the NPP to focus on the crucial task of campaigning for the 2024 elections.
