A group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the Ejisu Constituency of the Ashanti Region has strongly condemned what they describe as persistent interference, hostility, and deliberate attempts by the Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Mr. Ayew Afriyie, to undermine the parliamentary leadership of Ejisu.
In a press statement signed by Suleman Yussif on behalf of the concerned delegates, the group accused Mr. Afriyie—who also serves as Campaign Coordinator for former Vice President and former NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia—of orchestrating actions aimed at weakening the authority and credibility of the duly elected Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Kwabena Boateng Esq.
According to the delegates, the alleged conduct is rooted in the outcome of the NPP’s 2024 parliamentary primary in Ejisu, where Helena Mensah, whom they claim is closely associated with Mr. Afriyie, was defeated by Mr. Boateng.
They stressed that despite what they described as Ms. Mensah’s access to state power, resources, and significant financial backing, she lost the contest “fairly and conclusively,” adding that the verdict of the delegates and party members is final and non-negotiable.
The statement further accused Mr. Afriyie of peddling unfounded allegations of misappropriation and embezzlement of election funds against the Ejisu MP. These claims, the delegates noted, were publicly and categorically refuted by Dr. Kwame Agyemang Budu, Chairman of the Ejisu Constituency Finance Committee, in an official press release.
They also took issue with remarks attributed to Mr. Afriyie suggesting that Ejisu currently has “two Members of Parliament,” describing such comments as misleading, reckless, and calculated to create confusion and division within the constituency.
Tensions reportedly escalated during a recent visit by Dr. Bawumia to Ejisu, where Mr. Afriyie allegedly raised the hand of Helena Mensah at a public gathering and declared that she would become MP for Ejisu should Dr. Bawumia emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
The delegates described the statement as irresponsible, divisive, and deeply disrespectful to the sitting MP, the party’s internal democratic processes, and the people of Ejisu.
They attributed the ongoing conflict to two main factors: the defeat of Helena Mensah in the 2024 parliamentary primary and the Ejisu MP’s open support for Mr. Kennedy Agyapong in the upcoming January 31 NPP contest. They questioned whether exercising one’s democratic right to support a preferred candidate now attracts punishment within the party.
Emphasising that this is not the season for parliamentary primaries, the delegates expressed confidence in the performance of their MP, stating that his work in Parliament and contributions to constituency development speak for themselves.
They warned against what they termed external interference in Ejisu’s internal political affairs, stressing that no individual outside the constituency has the authority to impose a parliamentary candidate on them.
“We are fed up with the interference. We reject the false narratives and demand respect for the democratic choice of the people of Ejisu,” the statement declared.
The delegates concluded by reaffirming their unwavering support for the sitting MP and vowed to defend the outcome of the 2024 primaries, insisting that Ejisu has chosen its representative and will stand firmly by that decision.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku