NPP Launches Nationwide Constituency Elections Amid Internal Tensions in Bantama and Disciplinary Petitions Against Kennedy Agyapong

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially opened nominations for its constituency executive elections, marking a critical phase in its nationwide reorganization. Between June 22 and June 24, aspirants across the country are expected to submit their names for key positions including chairpersons, secretaries, and organizers. The party has introduced strict digital protocols, with Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed warning that all nomination fees—ranging from GH₵1,500 for chairpersons to GH₵500 for other roles—must be paid exclusively through the party’s online platform. This administrative rollout precedes a rigorous schedule of vetting from June 25-27 and appeals from June 28-30, culminating in elections slated for July 11 and 12. While the process is designed to strengthen party structures, it is being conducted against a backdrop of significant internal friction and logistical disputes.

In the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region, the election process has already been marred by chaos and allegations of electoral manipulation. Fierce clashes erupted between rival factions at the constituency office, necessitating intervention from the Suntreso Police Command to prevent physical violence. Constituency Chairman Fiifi Mensah has publicly accused Member of Parliament Francis Asenso-Boakye of "political machinations," specifically alleging that the polling station delegate album was unilaterally altered to remove long-serving members in favor of unapproved loyalists. Similar grievances have surfaced in other areas, with disgruntled members threatening to lock down party offices or seek court injunctions to halt the validation process. These incidents have prompted calls from party elders for an independent audit of delegate records to preserve the integrity of the internal polls.

Simultaneously, the NPP is navigating a complex disciplinary challenge involving former presidential aspirant and MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. A group of Electoral Area Coordinators from Greater Accra has petitioned the National Executive Committee to take action against Agyapong following his public criticisms of the party, including his condemnation of the uncompleted Afari Military Hospital project. While a viral social media claim suggesting the NPP had officially demanded an apology from Agyapong was debunked as false by fact-checkers, the petition underscores deep-seated concerns regarding his threats to expose sensitive party information. Energy analyst and party member Kwadwo Poku has urged leadership to pursue constructive dialogue with Agyapong, noting that while the party is larger than any single individual, his 23% support in the recent primary makes his cooperation vital for future cohesion.

As the party works to reconcile these internal divisions, leadership is also looking toward long-term mobilization and leadership renewal. Individual candidates, such as Mr. Elvis Figo Awonekai in the Upper East Region and Isaac Owusu in Manhyia South, have declared their intentions to bring "experienced and fearless" leadership to their respective domains. Furthermore, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has emphasized the indispensable role of the NPP diaspora in sustaining the party’s strength and resource mobilization. The success of the upcoming constituency elections and the resolution of the Bantama and Agyapong disputes will likely dictate the party's stability as it prepares for the 2028 general elections and seeks to present a unified front to the Ghanaian electorate.