The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently under scrutiny following the controversial remarks made by Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi,” during the vetting of prospective parliamentary candidates.
Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, former head of the Political Science Department at KNUST, has expressed concern over the party’s decision to allow its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, to represent them in discussions with the Kumasi Traditional Council.
Chairman Wontumi’s comments, perceived as disrespectful to the occupant of the Golden Stool, led to a summons by the Kumasi Traditional Council through the national leadership of the NPP. A delegation, headed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, visited the Manhyia Palace to seek clemency for Chairman Wontumi.
Dr. Amoako Baah, in an interview on Joy FM, criticized the party’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for a representative from the National Council of Elders to address such a sensitive matter.
He argued that the General Secretary’s inexperience in handling matters of this magnitude was evident and that his role as an emissary was a misrepresentation of the party’s position.
“I am very sad to see that the General Secretary is the one who is speaking for the party. Yes, he is the General Secretary, but in this instance, it is not appropriate for him to be the one speaking. So you see the inexperience at play here,” Dr. Baah remarked.
He suggested that a member of the National Council should have spoken, with the General Secretary standing beside them due to their elder status.
Expressing further concerns, the retired lecturer raised alarms about the rising levels of indiscipline within the party’s ranks, attributing it to a lack of firm leadership.
Dr. Baah contended that proactive measures could have averted the tension between the Kumasi Traditional Council and the NPP over Chairman Wontumi’s comments.