More than 1,000 delegates and supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency of the Central Region have threatened to defect to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) if aspiring Constituency Chairman, Samuel Bonney Mensah, popularly known as “Pee-Key,” is disqualified from contesting the party’s upcoming constituency executive elections.
The aggrieved party members have also accused some constituency and regional executives of allegedly orchestrating moves to prevent Mr. Bonney Mensah from participating in the race.
Among those accused is the Central Regional Deputy Youth Organiser, Lovelance Agyemang. However, the officials mentioned are yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
The warning was issued during a press conference held at Ajumako Bisease in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency, where several delegates and supporters gathered to express their displeasure over what they described as attempts to undermine internal democracy within the party.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the group, Osafo Appiah accused some party executives of placing personal interests above the welfare and unity of the party, leading to growing discontent among grassroots supporters.
According to him, the NPP in the constituency is gradually losing its strength due to ineffective leadership and internal divisions, which he said could seriously affect the party’s future electoral prospects if not addressed immediately.
Mr. Appiah stressed that the party’s democratic principles must be upheld to ensure fairness, transparency and unity ahead of the constituency elections.
He maintained that Samuel Bonney Mensah has satisfied all constitutional and administrative requirements needed to contest for the position of Constituency Chairman and therefore sees no justification for any attempts to disqualify him.
He described reports suggesting an intended disqualification as baseless, unfair and politically motivated.
The group further praised Mr. Bonney Mensah for what they described as his long-standing dedication and commitment to the NPP, insisting that he has consistently sacrificed personal resources to support the growth and development of the party in the constituency.
According to the delegates, Mr. Bonney Mensah played a key role during the 2024 general election campaign by providing financial assistance, campaign logistics and other resources to support party activities.
They claimed he actively joined the parliamentary candidate in extensive house-to-house campaigns across the constituency and contributed significantly to grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The delegates also alleged that he financed the printing of campaign T-shirts, supported campaign operations and assisted polling station executives through the payment of dues and provision of logistical support to various party structures.
They argued that despite not occupying any elected constituency executive position, Mr. Bonney Mensah has contributed more to the party’s progress than some current executives.
Mr. Appiah appealed to the National Executive Committee of the NPP as well as the party’s 2024 Presidential Candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, to intervene immediately and resolve the growing tensions within the constituency.
He warned that failure to address the matter could deepen divisions within the party and negatively affect party unity ahead of future elections.
According to him, more than 1,000 delegates and supporters are prepared to abandon the NPP and join the NDC should Samuel Bonney Mensah be prevented from contesting the chairmanship race.
Some delegates who also spoke during the press conference reiterated their strong support for Mr. Bonney Mensah, describing him as the only candidate capable of rebuilding trust among party members and reviving the party’s grassroots support base in the constituency.
They argued that any attempt to disqualify him would worsen divisions within the party and weaken the NPP’s electoral fortunes in subsequent elections.
The supporters further maintained that Mr. Bonney Mensah’s leadership qualities, generosity and commitment to the welfare of party members make him the most suitable candidate to lead the constituency as chairman.
They therefore called on the Regional Executive Committee of the party to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process by allowing him to contest the election.
According to the delegates, such a decision would help preserve party unity and strengthen the NPP’s chances in the constituency moving forward.
They cautioned that any contrary decision could trigger a massive defection of loyal party members and supporters to the NDC.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
