NPP NEC Disqualifies Dennis Obeng Agyei; Akim Oda MP Goes Unopposed

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has disqualified the aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Akim Oda Constituency, Dennis Obeng Agyei.

The decision was reached at the National Executive Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

A statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong read “The New Patriotic Party (NPP), at its National Executive Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, received and considered the Reports of the National

Parliamentary Vetting Committees (NPVC) and the National Parliamentary Appeals Committee (NPAC), regarding the vetting of Aspiring Parliamentary Candidates for the Party’s 2024 Parliamentary Primaries in constituencies with incumbent Members of Parliament”.

“After extensive deliberations on the Reports, the National Executive Committee is pleased to publish the list of the Aspiring Parliamentary Candidates for the Party’s Parliamentary Primaries scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024.

However, in the list, the aspiring parliamentary candidate for the Akim Oda Constituency, Dennis Obeng Agyei was disqualified while his opponent incumbent MP, Alexander Akwasi Acquah goes unopposed.

It will be recalled that this situation arises as the vetting results necessary for his campaign and participation in the January 27 election were withheld by the Eastern Regional vetting Committee, chaired by Dr. Lord Commey, Director of Operations at the Office of the President, and assisted by party officials including Ms. Mimi Duah and Mr. Jeff Konadu, Eastern Regional Chairman.

The committee claims that several petitions from Akyem Oda constituency members have been filed challenging the former constituency executive’s eligibility to contest.

Accusations against Mr. Agyei include having a “slippery tongue,” insulting the incumbent MP, Akwasi Acquah, and allegedly inciting women at the Akyem Oda central market against the MP.

Due to certain breaches that almost certainly violate the party’s constitution, the Eastern Regional Vetting Committee forwarded Mr. Dennis Obeng Agyei’s case to the Akim Oda constituency disciplinary committee.

 

 

However, Mr. Agyei asserts that he was denied access to the full content of the petition and information about the individuals behind it.

Despite this, the regional chairman urged him to step down, citing the petition as grounds for potential suspension and referral to the Constituency Disciplinary Committee.

In response, Mr Agyei submitted a detailed denial of all accusations to the NPP National Appeals Committee.

He refuted claims of verbally assaulting the MP and inciting anyone against him, highlighting a past public apology for a minor altercation with the MP two years ago and expressing commitment to unity within the constituency.

Mr. Agyei also raised concerns about the vetting process, citing a violation of Clause 5(2) of Article 4 of the NPP constitution, which pertains to natural justice.

He emphasized that he was not provided a copy of the petition, nor allowed to know his accusers or cross-examine them.

In his petition to the Appeals Committee, Mr. Agyei called for the setting aside of any decision that could lead to his disqualification, expressing hope for a fair and unbiased resolution.

However, the National Executive Council of the party disqualified the sole contender, and the sitting member of parliament would face no opposition, according to a news release.

 

 

The incumbent Member of Parliament for Akim Oda constituency Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has successfully gone through vetting and has been considered the surest best for the party in that constituency.

 

 

He is due to contest unopposed following some hitches suffered by the only challenger at the vetting.

Mr Akwesi Acquah highlighted his significant leadership and contributions before, during, and after the 2020 General Election.

He was elected MP for the area in the 2020 parliamentary election.

He secured 25,380, 79.45% percent to beat the NDC’s Jones Asante who managed some 6,262, 19.60%Throughout the campaign period, he remained steadfastly involved, tirelessly moving from house to house to campaign and offering substantial resources.

 

 

 

 

 

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