By Issah Olegor
Fresh cracks within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) came to the fore on Thursday after tensions boiled over outside a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Accra, where a group of demonstrators demanding the removal of former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong clashed with security personnel.
The confrontation occurred at the Alisa Hotel, the venue for the high-level NEC meeting, as party leaders gathered to deliberate on critical issues affecting the party’s reorganisation following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as security officers attempted to prevent protesters chanting “Ken Must Go” from disrupting the meeting.
Although the exact circumstances that triggered the confrontation remain unclear, videos circulating on social media showed heightened tensions between the demonstrators and security officers stationed at the entrance to the meeting venue.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests, while party officials had yet to issue an official statement explaining the incident.
The latest disturbance comes against the backdrop of escalating internal divisions surrounding Kennedy Agyapong, whose recent public comments have generated widespread debate within the NPP and intensified calls for disciplinary action against him.
The former NPP presidential aspirant has in recent weeks openly criticised the party over what he described as its failure to complete and operationalise the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital during its eight years in government under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking on Net 2 TV, Kennedy Agyapong rejected accusations that he was speaking out because of bitterness over the party’s presidential primary, insisting instead that he was motivated by concerns about national development and accountability.
He further alleged that corruption had become entrenched within the political system, accusing political actors of demanding kickbacks before awarding public contracts.
He also warned that if party leaders continued attacking him, he could reveal additional information regarding alleged wrongdoing within the NPP.
His declaration that he would “spill the beans” if provoked has triggered strong reactions among party members, with some accusing him of undermining party unity at a critical period when the NPP is rebuilding after losing power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
On Wednesday, a day before the NEC meeting, the party’s Steering Committee reportedly met to consider petitions submitted against Kennedy Agyapong by party members who believe his repeated public attacks have damaged the image of the NPP.
Among the issues reportedly discussed was whether the matter should be referred to the party’s Disciplinary Committee for further investigation and possible sanctions. Petitioners argue that Agyapong’s comments violate provisions of the party’s constitution requiring members to protect the reputation and unity of the NPP.
The emergence of the “Ken Must Go” protesters outside Thursday’s NEC meeting appears to reflect growing divisions within the party, with some members openly demanding disciplinary action while others continue to defend Agyapong as one of the party’s most influential political figures.
The latest developments highlight the challenges confronting the NPP as it attempts to reorganise ahead of the 2028 general elections. Rather than focusing solely on rebuilding after its electoral defeat, the party now finds itself grappling with a deepening internal dispute involving one of its most prominent personalities.
