Kwahu: A pressure group calling itself Concerned Residents of Kwahu is calling on Dr Bryan Acheampong to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential flagbearership race, accusing him of allegedly orchestrating and sponsoring the protracted chieftaincy dispute in Kwahu in the Eastern Region.
According to Ghana Web, the group's demand is based on recent claims made by Opare Ansah, a leading member of the NPP, who alleged that Dr Acheampong once threatened to boycott the party's campaign activities in the Eastern Region during the 2024 electioneering period. In a video clip from an interview on Asempa FM, Opare Ansah claimed that Dr Acheampong warned party officials against paying a courtesy call on the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II, during a campaign tour to Abetifi.
Opare Ansah stated, "Bryan helped us in the Eastern Region, but he also caused harm at some point. On the day we were going to Abetifi, the regional chairman sent me a message saying that if we made the mistake of going to greet the Kwahumanhene, he (Dr. Bryan Acheampong) would boycott both the Kwahu and Abetifi programmes." He further noted that tensions between Dr Acheampong and the Kwahumanhene had spilled over into party politics at the time.
Owusu Nketiah, Convener for Concerned Residents of Kwahu, said the statement by Opare Ansah confirms what they describe as "long-held intelligence that Dr Bryan Acheampong played a key role in the failed attempt to destool the Kwahumanhene-an episode they claim has plunged Kwahu into prolonged chieftaincy disputes, thereby stalling development in the area."
In a press statement, the group argued that "such a character does not deserve to lead a political party such as the NPP," stressing that internal unity and respect for traditional authority are critical for national leadership. The group further warned that the NPP risks losing the massive electoral support it has consistently enjoyed from the Kwahu area since 1992, where the party is regarded as having a stronghold should Dr Bryan Acheampong emerge as the party's presidential candidate.
They therefore urged the leadership of the NPP to take the concerns of the people of Kwahu seriously in order to protect the party's electoral fortunes and preserve peace in the traditional area.