By Grace Zigah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken disciplinary action against its 2024 parliamentary candidate for Agona West, Christopher Arthur, suspending him indefinitely for flouting internal directives aimed at maintaining order ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The decision, which was formally communicated in a letter signed by the Agona West Constituency Chairman, Alhaji Gibrine Tanko, and Secretary, Anthony Kwame Kum, accuses Arthur of disregarding a nationwide directive issued by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
The directive, circulated to all constituencies, explicitly banned all internal campaign activities for party positions until further notice.
Despite this standing order, Arthur is reported to have organized and chaired an electoral area meeting on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
According to party leadership in the constituency, the gathering was an unauthorized political mobilization that contravened the party’s instructions and constituted an act of “administrative indiscipline.”
“Your action not only disregards the authority of the General Secretary but also undermines internal unity and the strategic work being done to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election,” the letter read.
The suspension underscores growing concerns within the NPP about premature jostling for power and influence, even as the party begins early preparations for the 2028 polls following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Party leaders have cautioned that such early internal contests can fracture local party cohesion and derail broader national strategies for a political comeback.
Christopher Arthur, a lawyer and businessman, was selected as the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Agona West in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
He lost narrowly to the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, Paul Ofori-Amoah, in what was considered a hotly contested race.
Since then, Arthur has remained visible in the constituency, engaging in community outreach and development activities, which some party insiders say may have been veiled efforts to rebuild political capital for future contests.
However, party regulations demand that all aspirants, particularly those with ambitions for executive or parliamentary slots, adhere strictly to directives from the national leadership.
The ban on early campaigning was part of efforts to minimize factionalism and ensure unity across constituencies still reeling from internal rivalries and post-election tensions.
Sources within the NPP suggest that Arthur’s meeting was not only politically motivated but also strategically timed to shore up grassroots support for his possible re-election bid as the party’s candidate in 2028.
His suspension sends a clear message that the party will not tolerate breaches of discipline, regardless of prior status or popularity.
It remains unclear whether Arthur will appeal the decision or whether the suspension is temporary or a precursor to further sanctions, including possible expulsion.
Party sources indicate that the matter may be escalated to the regional and national disciplinary committees if no remorse is shown.
For now, the Agona West NPP finds itself navigating yet another internal dispute as it works to reorganize for the future.
Party executives say they remain committed to enforcing discipline and unity as key pillars of the party’s rebuilding process.
