The internal dynamics of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) are facing a test as a group of academics and professionals associated with the University of Ghana, identifying themselves as “Legon Lecturers and Professionals of the University of Ghana for Kennedy Agyapong,” have formally petitioned the party’s leadership. Their concern centers on what they deem as inappropriate attacks launched by the Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye, against Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent figure within the NPP and a declared contender for the party’s presidential nomination in the 2028 elections. This petition underscores a broader debate within the NPP regarding the nature of internal competition and the potential for such disputes to fracture party unity.
The group’s central grievance revolves around Abronye’s recent public statements, which they characterize as “distasteful” and “unwarranted” verbal assaults against Kennedy Agyapong. The petition, presented to the NPP leadership, urges intervention to curb Abronye’s behavior and maintain party cohesion during the pre-primary period. The petitioners argue that Abronye’s actions undermine party unity and could create lasting divisions that might hinder the NPP’s electoral prospects in the 2028 general elections. They emphasize the need for respectful dialogue and adherence to established party protocols for addressing internal disagreements.
Professor Alhasaan Suleman Anamzoya, the group’s chairman, publicly voiced their concerns, highlighting the potential damage Abronye’s conduct could inflict on the party’s image and internal harmony. He stressed the importance of the NPP leadership taking decisive action to address the situation and prevent further escalation. The group’s call for intervention signifies a growing unease among party members about the tone and direction of the internal contest for the presidential nomination. They advocate for a focus on policy discussions and respectful engagement rather than personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.
The petition also highlights the perceived inaction of the NPP’s national leadership in response to Abronye’s remarks. Professor Anamzoya expressed disappointment at the leadership’s silence, calling it “disturbing” and urging them to “call Abronye to order.” This perceived lack of intervention has further fueled concerns among Agyapong’s supporters, who believe it sends a message that such behavior is tolerated within the party. The group emphasizes the need for swift action to demonstrate the party’s commitment to maintaining internal discipline and ensuring a fair and transparent process for selecting its presidential candidate.
The petitioners advocate for a more constructive approach to internal competition, urging all aspirants and their supporters to focus on presenting their platforms and engaging in respectful dialogue. Professor Anamzoya emphasizes the importance of focusing on the merits of each candidate and allowing party members to make informed decisions based on policy positions and leadership qualities. He suggests that engaging in personal attacks distracts from the important issues at hand and undermines the party’s ability to present a united front to the electorate.
The petition from the Legon Lecturers and Professionals for Kennedy Agyapong encapsulates a broader concern within the NPP regarding the potential for internal divisions to undermine the party’s electoral fortunes. It underscores the need for strong leadership to manage internal competition and ensure a fair and transparent process for selecting the party’s presidential candidate. The petitioners’ call for intervention represents a plea for a return to civility and respectful dialogue, emphasizing the importance of party unity in achieving electoral success. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the NPP’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms and the role of its leadership in maintaining discipline and cohesion within the party ranks. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for the NPP to navigate the challenges of the upcoming primaries and present a united front for the 2028 general elections.
