Political analyst and Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies, Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to carefully consider the consequences before taking disciplinary action against former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
His comments come amid growing internal debate within the NPP following Agyapong’s recent remarks on Net 2 TV, where he sharply criticised the party’s handling of key government projects, accused some officials of corruption, and warned that he could reveal more damaging information if provoked.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, June 19, Dr Otchere acknowledged that Agyapong’s comments could be interpreted as anti-party behaviour under the NPP’s constitution.
“If you want to classify such a dissipative attack on the integrity of the party, certainly it will fall within the latter. That is anti-party behaviour that obviously should warrant some kind of summoning before the disciplinary committee and then the necessary articles of the party will be applied,” he said.
However, he argued that the situation was not straightforward, suggesting that some of the comments could be viewed as emotional reactions linked to internal party contests and disagreements.
“To what extent would you consider some of these emotional outbursts as post-internal primary issues and then that of democracy or internal democracy? I think this is a very tough one. Whichever way you look at it, it has some consequences for the party,” he added.
The NPP has expressed disappointment over Agyapong’s comments, with Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed describing them as unfortunate and urging party members to be mindful of their public statements.
Dr Otchere urged the party to be strategic, noting that Agyapong remains an influential figure within the NPP, having secured considerable support during the party’s presidential primaries.
“You are looking at a personality that commanded about 38 per cent in the 2024 primaries and over 20 per cent in the 2026 primaries,” he said.
He warned that expelling such a figure could deepen divisions within the party and further weaken its electoral prospects, especially while the NPP is in opposition.
“A party that has already had some of these disintegrations taking place, like for example Mr Alan Kyerematen, at any point in time you are weakening your front,” he said.
Dr Otchere questioned the value of such a move, adding: “What does Mr Kennedy lose if you expel him? What does he lose? You are in opposition. But the decision is theirs to make.”
