Accra: A fierce political backlash has greeted calls by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Volta Region for the removal of Sammy Gyamfi, with Japhet Festus Gbede, a member of the NDC Volta Regional Communications Team, describing the demand as a display of 'audacious hypocrisy' from a party battling serious internal organisational challenges.
According to Ghana Web, Gbede criticized the NPP Volta Regional structure as 'fractured, confused, disorganised, dysfunctional, directionless and politically rudderless,' arguing that the party lacks moral authority to act as a referee on governance while grappling with serious internal issues.
Gbede noted that 11 out of the 18 constituencies reportedly could not participate in the recent NPP Volta Regional elections due to concerns over alleged manipulation of the electoral album and the criminalisation of the polling-station electoral process. He argued that this situation raises significant questions about the credibility and organisational capacity of the NPP in the Volta Region.
Gbede highlighted internal disagreements within the party, citing the public decision by the NPP Volta Regional Secretariat to nullify appointments made by its Regional Chairman as further evidence of divisions within the regional structure. He questioned the basis of the NPP's argument surrounding the reported US$1.7 billion loss associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, challenging their attempt to use the GoldBod controversy as grounds for demanding Gyamfi's removal.
Gbede pointed to the NPP's record during its time in government, referencing the GHS26.945 billion spent on financial-sector clean-up, GHS1.436 billion in SML payments, and other financial figures, questioning whether the NPP exhibited the same level of scrutiny and accountability during those times. He insisted that the NPP Volta Region should focus on resolving its own organisational challenges rather than dictating who should serve in the NDC administration.
In conclusion, Gbede maintained that a political organisation struggling with internal divisions cannot credibly present itself as a moral authority on governance, accountability, and institutional discipline. He urged the NPP Volta Region to address its own issues before lecturing others on losses and accountability.