BY GRACE ZIGAH
The internal power struggle within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Kasoa has taken another contentious turn, with the husband of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, petitioning the party to prevent its Deputy Communications Officer, Cobby Wilson, from contesting the upcoming internal elections.
Yusif Yunusah, who identifies himself as an NDC New York State Treasurer and former Greater Accra Regional Propaganda Secretary, submitted the petition to the Central Regional Vetting Committee on Thursday, September 24, 2026, asking the committee to disqualify Wilson from the constituency-level contest.
The latest petition adds another layer to an already protracted internal dispute in the constituency, where disagreements between the camp of the MP and sections of the constituency executives have repeatedly spilled into public view.
The petition, according to its contents, is centred on allegations that Wilson engaged in a conduct that Yunusah considers incompatible with holding office within the NDC.
Attacking MP
Yunusah alleges that Wilson made what he described as unfounded allegations against the MP and also sent him private messages containing insults.
He further accuses the Deputy Communications Officer of publicly claiming that Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor had secured a World Cup slot for her husband.
Yunusah says the allegation was subsequently debunked by NDC leadership in Parliament.
The husband of the MP is relying on these allegations to argue that Wilson’s conduct should attract disciplinary scrutiny and should prevent him from being allowed to contest for another party position.
He has therefore asked the Central Regional Vetting Committee to reject Wilson’s candidacy, arguing that the alleged conduct demonstrates that he is not suitable to occupy party office.
The allegations contained in the petition are, however, claims by Yunusah and do not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against Wilson. The material available does not indicate that the vetting committee has yet ruled on the petition.
Article 48 invoked in disqualification bid
Yunusah has based his petition on provisions of Article 48(8) of the NDC Constitution, specifically clauses (b), (c) and (e), which he says cover anti-party conduct and activities, conduct capable of bringing the party into ridicule or disrepute, and misconduct or breach of duty by a party officer.
The use of Article 48 is significant because the NDC has previously invoked the provision in disciplinary proceedings involving party officials.
In earlier NDC internal-election guidelines, eligibility for constituency-level contests has included a requirement that aspirants must not be serving sanctions arising from breaches of Article 48(8), among other requirements.
Awutu Senya East has experienced tensions within its NDC structure for several months, particularly involving the relationship between the constituency leadership and the MP.
In January 2026, then constituency chairman Stephen Ofosu Agyare instituted a court action against several NDC executive members over what he described as sustained criticism of his leadership.
The defendants included constituency and branch executives, among them the youth organiser and deputy youth organiser. Chairman Agyare sought damages of GH¢500,000, together with costs and legal fees, over allegations concerning statements he said damaged his reputation.
The report at the time noted that tensions between Agyare’s camp and that of Mrs Okunor had persisted for years, with attempts by senior party figures to intervene.
The internal dispute intensified further in July 2026 when the NDC suspended Agyare as constituency chairman for five months.
