NPP Suspends Member for Slapping a Catholic Priest in Sekondi

The Sekondi New Patriotic Party (NPP) Executive Committee has taken immediate action by suspending Abdul Ganiu, a party member, indefinitely after he assaulted Rev. Monsignor Joseph Gyim-Austin, the Catholic Priest in charge of the St. John the Baptist Parish, Adiembra. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at an intersection on the Main Sekondi-Adiembra road, where rehabilitation work is currently underway.

Rev. Monsignor Gyim-Austin was en route to Adiembra Senior High School to conduct a morning Mass when the altercation happened. According to the Priest, Ganiu, who was on a motorbike, accused him of careless driving, which he claimed could have led to an accident. Following a verbal exchange, Ganiu physically assaulted the Reverend Father by slapping him after forcing his vehicle to stop.

The Priest reported the incident to the Sekondi Police Station, leading to Ganiu’s arrest. Although Ganiu has since shown remorse, visiting the Reverend Father’s residence multiple times to apologize, the NPP has decided to suspend him indefinitely.

The Sekondi NPP Executive Committee condemned the assault, calling it a “dent on the image of the party.” In a statement signed by Sekondi Constituency Chairman Percy Morgue Ansah, the party emphasized the need for discipline and good behavior among its members, citing the NPP Constitution’s requirement to uphold the party’s image.

The Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, also condemned the act and assured that strict disciplinary measures would be enforced. He emphasized that such behavior does not represent the party and reaffirmed that violence is not tolerated within the NPP. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Rev. Monsignor Gyim-Austin has forgiven Ganiu and has officially withdrawn the case from the police.