The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency is facing internal turmoil, with accusations of violence, intimidation, and sabotage leveled against former Member of Parliament (MP) George Mireku Duker by a group identifying themselves as Concerned Polling Station Executives. These executives allege that Mr. Duker has fostered a climate of fear and division within the party, using threats, violence, and character assassination to silence dissent and maintain control. They paint a picture of an MP whose political influence has waned significantly, leading to desperation and increasingly authoritarian tactics.
The core of the accusations revolves around a pattern of alleged violence orchestrated by Mr. Duker and carried out by his close associates. The executives point to several incidents, including an alleged assassination attempt on an individual named Mohammed Awal, known as Apakaloo. This incident reportedly resulted in the death of Mr. Duker’s alleged bodyguard, Alhassan, alias Alaa. Despite video evidence allegedly linking Alaa to Mr. Duker, the former MP publicly denied any connection. Another incident involves the alleged death of a party vigilante named Sunday, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack on a party supporter in Senyakrom, allegedly on Mr. Duker’s orders. The Concerned Polling Station Executives claim that these incidents illustrate a disturbing pattern of young men being used for violent acts and then abandoned when things go wrong. They claim Mr. Duker distances himself from the consequences, leaving his associates to bear the brunt of the repercussions.
Beyond physical violence, the executives accuse Mr. Duker of employing a range of intimidation tactics. Verbal abuse, character assassination, and threats are allegedly commonplace, targeting not only political rivals but also former allies, including former Constituency Chairman and current Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Hon. KD Asmah, Madam Anna Ewiah, Mr. Dwomoh, Mr. Isaac Blay, Fiifi Boafo, Nana Kwame Sulley, and numerous polling station executives and financiers. These allegations suggest a systematic effort to suppress opposition within the party and consolidate power. A particularly disturbing allegation involves an acid attack on a constituent who publicly criticized Mr. Duker. This alleged attack, coupled with other threats and harassment, fostered a climate of fear that stifled dissent during Mr. Duker’s tenure, according to the executives.
The Concerned Polling Station Executives also point to Mr. Duker’s alleged interference in local chieftaincy matters in his hometown of Dompim as a contributing factor to his declining popularity. They claim that this interference led to violence and fractured the community, ultimately leading to his decisive rejection by voters in both the 2020 and 2024 elections. The executives present this as further evidence of his waning influence and the community’s disapproval of his leadership style. They cite a leaked audio recording as further evidence of Mr. Duker’s complicity in orchestrating violence. In this recording, one of Mr. Duker’s associates allegedly seeks his approval before launching an attack on supporters of rival candidate Fiifi Boafo. This recording, according to the executives, confirms Mr. Duker’s direct involvement in instigating violence within the constituency.
The group contrasts Mr. Duker’s alleged leadership style with that of former MP Gifty Eugenia Kusi, whom they praise for 16 years of peaceful and inclusive leadership. They accuse Mr. Duker of promoting illegal mining activities, which they claim contributed to tensions within the party and the community. This accusation further complicates the picture of Mr. Duker’s leadership, portraying him as someone who prioritizes personal gain over the well-being of the constituency. They contend that his actions have not only damaged the party’s reputation but also undermined its ability to effectively serve the people of Tarkwa-Nsuaem.
The Concerned Polling Station Executives are calling for unity and renewal within the NPP. They are demanding an end to the alleged culture of intimidation and violence that they claim has characterized Mr. Duker’s leadership. They specifically warn social media users aligned with Mr. Duker to cease spreading divisive rhetoric and engaging in online harassment. They emphasize that the party is watching and will hold those responsible accountable. Their call for unity suggests a desire to move beyond the current turmoil and rebuild the party’s image in the constituency. They pledge to work towards restoring peace, discipline, and unity within the NPP in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and ensure a more harmonious and democratic internal political process in future elections. Their ultimate goal seems to be the revitalization of the party, free from the alleged influence and tactics of Mr. Duker. They believe this is crucial for the party’s future success and its ability to effectively represent the interests of the people of Tarkwa-Nsuaem. This public denouncement of Mr. Duker represents a significant challenge to his standing within the party and could have significant implications for the future political landscape of the constituency. The allegations, if proven, could lead to disciplinary action within the NPP and potentially impact Mr. Duker’s future political aspirations.
