What was intended as a unifying event during Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s national thank-you tour turned contentious in Berekum on Monday, as internal divisions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) came to the fore.
Former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye, engaged in a heated exchange over the party’s future direction following the 2024 general elections.
The dispute laid bare contrasting leadership approaches and raised broader concerns over party discipline and regional marginalization.
Abronye, in his address, emphasized strict party loyalty and discipline, subtly criticizing members he claimed had undermined the NPP’s electoral efforts through public dissent. Referencing a post-election review chaired by former Speaker Prof. Mike Oquaye, he argued that internal criticism had inadvertently benefited the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He also opposed Agyapong’s proposal to reconcile with suspended or sidelined party members, warning that such a move could weaken the party’s structure and promote indiscipline.
Agyapong, however, defended his call for reconciliation, stressing that unity and inclusiveness would fortify the party moving forward. He condemned what he described as attempts to muzzle party veterans and financial backers.
“Even the poor want to be heard—so why silence those of us who’ve sacrificed for this party?” Agyapong retorted, drawing a mixed reaction from the audience.
Beyond the clash, Agyapong also criticized the Bono Region’s leadership for a perceived erosion of support at the grassroots level.
