Some constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, have openly clashed with the regional executive over alleged interference in the party’s upcoming polling station elections.
The executives are accusing the Ashanti Regional Representative, Kwame Owusu Bampoe, of disregarding the party’s official guidelines and imposing decisions that undermine transparency and unity in the constituency.
Constituency Secretary Prince Asare, speaking at a press conference held at the party’s office in Ejisu, alleged that the regional representative has repeatedly overridden collective decisions taken by the constituency executives.
According to Mr Asare, the constituency leadership had resolved to strictly adhere to the NPP’s operational guidelines, including the authorised register distributed nationwide for the conduct of the polling station elections. He claimed, however, that key provisions in the document are being ignored in Ejisu.
“The first regional representative assigned to us created a misunderstanding among the executives, and the matter was later reported to the regional chairman, after which another representative was brought in. Initially, things were moving smoothly, but later he stopped following the party’s guidelines and rather came up with his own decisions for us to accept,” Mr Asare said.
The executives disclosed that the 15-member constituency executive body is currently divided over the matter. They stressed that their main concern is ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.
“One thing we are insisting on is fairness and transparency. We are not against anybody, but we want every process to follow the laid down rules of the party so that nobody feels cheated after the elections,” he added.
A major bone of contention is the composition of the Polling Station Elections Committee. The executives explained that party guidelines stipulate a 33-member committee to be constituted jointly by the constituency executives and the regional representative, with the Member of Parliament nominating 11 members.
They claimed, however, that Kwame Owusu Bampoe has refused to comply with this arrangement and is allegedly attempting to handpick individuals for the committee, despite not being a member of the Ejisu Constituency.
The group also raised concerns about the vetting of candidates, noting that over 3,000 to 4,000 party members have picked nomination forms. According to them, the agreed guidelines state that only newly registered members should undergo vetting, while long-standing members in good standing are exempted. They alleged that the regional representative is contesting this position.
The executives warned that the situation, if not addressed, could breed dissatisfaction among grassroots supporters and weaken unity in one of the NPP’s strongholds in the Ashanti Region.
They have therefore called on the National Executives of the NPP to intervene and clarify whether the regional representative has the mandate to enforce directives outside the approved guidelines.
“We want free and fair elections,” the executives emphasised, adding that protecting the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes is crucial ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In response, Kwame Owusu Bampoe denied the allegations of interference. He stated that he has been served with an interlocutory injunction regarding the matter and could therefore not comment extensively while the case is before the court.
He indicated he would be willing to grant an interview and provide full details once the legal process is concluded.