Thank-You Tour – Even the Poor wants to have a voice – Ken Agyapong confronts Abronye

What began as a show of unity during Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s national thank-you tour in Berekum on Monday turned into a tense political moment, as internal divisions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) came to the surface.

A heated exchange unfolded between former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, and the NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye. The disagreement revealed contrasting views on party discipline, leadership, and how best to rebuild after the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections.

In his opening remarks, Abronye stressed the importance of loyalty and discipline within the party. Without mentioning names, he took aim at party figures he believed had hurt the NPP’s chances with divisive comments during the campaign season.

Referencing the findings of a post-election review led by former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, Abronye argued that internal criticisms had handed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) unnecessary political advantage.

He also firmly opposed Agyapong’s suggestion to readmit suspended or estranged members as part of a reconciliation drive, warning that such a move could undermine party authority. “Granting amnesty will only encourage indiscipline and weaken party structures,” he said.

Kennedy Agyapong, however, countered with a passionate defense of reconciliation, asserting that unity, not exclusion, was key to revitalizing the NPP. He challenged what he saw as efforts to silence longtime contributors to the party.

“Even poor people want to speak their mind—how much more those of us who have sacrificed for this party?” Agyapong said, earning both cheers and murmurs from the crowd.

He went further to criticize the Bono Regional leadership, claiming that the region had seen a drop in grassroots support under current management.

Despite the tense exchanges, the event proceeded with its core message of appreciation to party supporters, but the confrontation between Agyapong and Abronye highlighted the underlying rifts the NPP must address as it prepares for the future.

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