The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana finds itself at a critical juncture following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. The party’s leadership is grappling with internal divisions and factionalism that threaten to further destabilize the NPP as it navigates its role in opposition and prepares for future electoral contests. A recent public feud between two prominent party figures, Ernest Owusu Bempah and Kwame Baffoe (Abronye), has brought these internal tensions to the forefront, prompting intervention from the National Executive Committee (NEC). The dispute, rooted in their respective allegiances to different presidential hopefuls, underscores the challenges facing the NPP as it seeks to rebuild and regain public trust.
The conflict between Owusu Bempah and Abronye exemplifies the lingering effects of the competitive presidential primaries leading up to the 2024 elections. Owusu Bempah, a Deputy National Communications Officer, has been a staunch supporter of Kennedy Agyapong, while Abronye, the Bono Regional Chairman, has aligned himself with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s ultimately unsuccessful flagbearer. Their public exchanges, escalating in the aftermath of the election defeat, have exposed deep-seated divisions within the party and raised concerns about the potential for further fragmentation. The NEC’s intervention highlights the urgency of addressing these internal rifts to prevent further damage to the party’s image and electoral prospects.
The NEC, chaired by Acting National Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey, convened a meeting in Accra on June 18, 2025, to address the escalating conflict between the two party members. Recognizing the detrimental impact of their public sparring on party unity and morale, the NEC issued a strong warning to both Owusu Bempah and Abronye, directing them to cease their public feud and refrain from any further commentary that could exacerbate tensions within the party. This decisive action underscores the NEC’s commitment to restoring order and discipline within the NPP’s ranks and preventing personal rivalries from overshadowing the party’s efforts to rebuild and prepare for the 2028 elections.
National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye confirmed the NEC’s intervention in an interview with Citi FM, emphasizing the importance of maintaining internal cohesion and discipline as the party charts its course in opposition. He reiterated the NEC’s warning to Owusu Bempah and Abronye and stressed that their continued public bickering could undermine the party’s efforts to regain public confidence and present a united front. The NEC’s message is clear: personal loyalties must be subordinated to the collective good of the party, and internal disputes should be resolved through internal mechanisms rather than aired publicly.
The NEC’s actions are part of a broader strategy to address the factionalism that plagued the NPP during the previous presidential primaries. The party leadership recognizes that internal divisions can weaken the party’s electoral competitiveness and erode public trust. With calls for unity echoing from the grassroots level, the NEC is determined to prevent personal rivalries from derailing its reorganization efforts. The focus is on fostering a more cohesive and disciplined party structure that prioritizes the collective goals of the NPP over individual ambitions.
Beyond the immediate intervention in the Owusu Bempah-Abronye feud, the NEC is reportedly considering further measures to enforce discipline and prevent future public disagreements. This signals a commitment to establishing clear guidelines for conduct and communication within the party, holding members accountable for their actions, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. The ultimate goal is to create a more unified and effective political force capable of regaining public support and challenging for power in future elections. The message from the party’s leadership is unequivocal: internal squabbling must cease, and the focus must shift to rebuilding and strengthening the party for the challenges ahead.
