Kyei Mensah-Bonsu
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is grappling with internal turmoil following the selection of its flagbearer. The decision to align Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with Manhyia South MP Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has intensified factional disputes within the party’s stronghold in the Ashanti Region.
The cracks in the party’s unity were starkly visible when five regional executives, including Youth Organizer Raphael Sarfo Patrick and First Vice Chairman Patrick Acheampong, boycotted the inauguration of the party’s campaign committees on August 11, 2024. These officials claim they were sidelined by Chairman Wontumi, accusing him of a power grab.
The high-profile event, attended by Dr. Prempeh and other senior figures, was marred by the absence of these key executives.
Ex-Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, who also chairs the NPP’s 2024 Elections Campaign Manifesto Committee, acknowledged the internal discord in an interview on Abusua FM.
“I was aware of the boycott by the aggrieved members. We can’t approach the election with a divided front,” Mensah Bonsu admitted, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
He assured party members that efforts were underway to resolve the issues. “We’re gearing up for our manifesto launch in Takoradi next weekend. After that, we’ll focus on addressing the Ashanti rift. It’s our top priority, and the Dispute Resolution Committee will handle it,” he promised.
The discord has roots going back to March 2024, when six regional executives formally complained about Chairman Wontumi and other party leaders. They accused Wontumi of neglecting essential meetings and undermining consensus-building efforts.
Tensions were further exacerbated by overlapping constituency tours planned by Dr. Prempeh and Chairman Wontumi, defying party traditions.
As the NPP targets an ambitious 85% vote share in Ashanti for the 2024 elections, the opposition NDC is eyeing a 35% share. The current infighting raises concerns about the NPP’s ability to meet its goal and maintain its stronghold.
With internal divisions threatening the party’s dominance, the NPP’s capacity to present a unified front for the upcoming elections remains uncertain.
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