By Daniel Bampoe
Aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong, has broken his silence following backlash over the release of a viral video in which former President John Agyekum Kufuor lamented being sidelined by the party’s leadership.
The video, recorded during a recent private visit by Dr Bryan Acheampong to the former President’s residence, has stirred internal debate ahead of the party’s highly anticipated delegates’ conference scheduled for Saturday.
Some party insiders have accused Acheampong of intentionally leaking the video to score political points, a claim he firmly denies.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media, Bryan Acheampong dismissed the allegations and called for calm within the party.
“No friction, no fallout! Let’s be clear: there’s no tension or controversy,” he wrote. “Sensationalism doesn’t reflect the calm and collaborative spirit of our meeting.”
Dr Acheampong condemned what he described as deliberate efforts to distort internal conversations for factional gain, warning that such tactics risk undermining the unity the party desperately needs at this crucial time.
“We shouldn’t allow gross misrepresentation and distortions of internal party dialogue to rip us apart or be weaponised for division,” he stated.
“This is a time for unity, not distraction. We have important work ahead to rebuild and consolidate.”
“Let’s stay focused on the values that bind us and avoid the side shows,” he added.
The controversy stems from the contents of the viral video, in which ex-President Kufuor expressed disappointment at being excluded from key party decisions.
“I don’t understand why my own party, the NPP, has sidelined me,” Kufuor said in the video.
“I’ve been in this party all these years, and I became president for two terms… but the system thinks it’s wise to ignore and sideline me.”
John Kufuor further revealed that he had not been invited to recent National Council meetings—one of the most important gatherings for policy and leadership discussions within the party.
His comments have been interpreted by some as a sign of internal neglect and disrespect toward founding members.
The timing of the video’s circulation has raised eyebrows among critics, who argue that it could have been strategically released to fuel discontent and influence outcomes at the upcoming conference.
Others suggest it forms part of a larger campaign calling for structural reforms within the party, particularly regarding transparency and inclusion in leadership selection.
Despite the controversy, Bryan Acheampong’s popularity continues to soar, especially in the Eastern Region.
He is believed to be a frontrunner in the upcoming NPP flagbearership race for the 2028 general elections.
Several sitting MPs and constituency executives have already declared their support for his candidacy.
Sources within the party say Bryan has built a strong grassroots base, particularly due to his financial support during the 2024 general elections.
He is said to have personally financed all 33 constituencies in the Eastern Region—covering operational costs on every month and beyond.
Observers note that his early and well-organized campaign has unsettled some of his competitors, as his growing dominance threatens to shift the party’s internal power dynamics.
Nonetheless, Bryan Acheampong noted that “We must avoid distractions and stay focused on rebuilding this party together,” he reiterated. “Now is not the time for division, but for unity rooted in respect, history, and forward-looking leadership.”
