Some executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asante Akyem North constituency have called for disciplinary action against their Member of Parliament (MP), Andy Appiah Kubi, for allegedly disrespecting the party and supporting candidates of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the recent District Level Elections.
Petition to NEC
In a petition dated January 3, 2024, signed by the party’s Secretary in the Asante Akyem North constituency, Williams Aboagye Boateng, and supported by 13 other executives, the aggrieved members accused the MP of gross misconduct and breach of the party’s constitution.
The petitioners claimed that the MP sponsored some NDC members to contest against the NPP’s official candidates in the District Level Elections, held on December 28, 2023. They also alleged that the MP has been absent from all party meetings in the constituency for the past three years and has refused to participate in meetings organized by the Municipal Assembly.
The petitioners further accused the MP of selectively extending kindness to some polling stations and two constituency executives during last year’s Christmas season, while disrespectfully neglecting others.
The petitioners appealed to the party’s National Elections Committee (NEC) to sanction the MP for his actions, which they said have brought the party into disrepute and undermined its unity and cohesion.
MP Denies Allegations
However, the MP has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and motivated by personal interests. He said he never supported any NDC candidate and that he has a good working relationship with all NPP executives at various levels in the constituency.
He accused some of the petitioners of being behind his challengers in the upcoming NPP parliamentary primaries, scheduled for January 27, 2024.
Tight Race Ahead
The MP, who is seeking re-election, faces stiff competition from four other aspirants vying for the NPP ticket in the Asante Akyem North constituency. The contenders include former MP Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, Technical Economic Advisor Dr. Samuel Kwadwo Frimpong, Education Ministry’s Public Relations Officer Kwasi Kwarteng, and another Dr. Samuel Kwadwo Frimpong.
The Asante Akyem North constituency is considered a stronghold of the NPP, which won the seat with 76.6% of the votes in the 2020 general elections. The NDC came second with 22.8% of the votes.
However, the outcome of the NPP primaries will likely determine the winner of the parliamentary seat in the 2024 general elections, which are expected to be keenly contested by the two major parties.
The petition and the response of the MP have generated mixed reactions from the public, with some commending the petitioners for exercising their democratic rights and holding their representative accountable, while others criticizing them for creating division and tension within the party.
Political analysts have also weighed in on the issue, saying it reflects the vibrancy and dynamism of Ghana’s democracy, which allows for internal dissent and dialogue within political parties. They have urged the NPP leadership to handle the matter with fairness and transparency and to ensure that the party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people.
Source: Ghana Web
