Concerns about Hon. Augustine Collins Ntim’s conduct are often dismissed as personal vendettas, but they stem from deeper frustrations within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
As a former Member of Parliament for Offinso North and Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Ntim’s political rise was undeniably fueled by the NPP’s support in the Ashanti Region, a party stronghold.
Yet, allegations persist that his CAN Radio station has been leveraged to amplify National Democratic Congress (NDC) narratives against the NPP and its candidates, raising questions about loyalty amid the party’s post-2024 election recovery efforts.
Ntim’s current position as a coordinator for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2028 presidential campaign exacerbates these tensions. While intended to bolster Bawumia’s bid, his involvement appears to inflame internal divisions rather than heal them.
Reports from the Ashanti Region highlight resentment among polling station executives, some of whom view Ntim as an “NDC figure in NPP clothing.” This perception is rooted in his past controversial statements, such as downplaying the need for Bawumia’s running mate to hail from Ashanti—dismissing the region’s pivotal role in NPP victories—and questioning Bawumia’s appeal to Christian voters without a “staunch Christian” partner. These remarks, made during a 2024 meeting of constituency secretaries, were seen as a “stab in the back,” alienating key supporters in the party’s heartland.
Polling station executives have voiced their discontent openly, with some threatening to prioritize personal grudges over party interests. This discord not only erodes grassroots momentum but also risks undermining Bawumia’s ambition to reclaim power in 2028.
Ntim’s alleged misuse of CAN Radio—hosting programs that critics say favor NDC attacks on NPP incumbents—further fuels the narrative of divided loyalties. While no formal investigations into the station’s content have surfaced, the whispers among NPP ranks suggest it’s becoming a liability.
For Bawumia, who has repeatedly called for party unity to counter NDC dominance, retaining Ntim in a prominent role could prove counterproductive. As the saying goes, “Keep your friends close, but your obstacles closer”—yet true progress demands decisive action. Withdrawing Ntim’s responsibilities would signal Bawumia’s commitment to cohesion, mending rifts in Ashanti and beyond.
It might sting in the short term, but ignoring these “close” obstacles could doom the NPP’s revival.
