By: Alexander Afriyie
Kennedy Agyapong has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to grant amnesty to suspended party members, including Paul Afoko and Alan Kyeremateng. This call comes amid ongoing debates about party unity and reconciliation.
Background on Suspended Members:
– Paul Afoko: Former NPP National Chairman suspended in 2015 for misconduct, Afoko challenged his suspension in court, which upheld the party’s decision.
– Kwabena Agyapong: Former NPP General Secretary suspended in 2015 for violating Article 3(d) of the party’s constitution. His suspension was lifted in 2021 after a National Executive Committee meeting.
– Alan Kyeremateng: Although details about his suspension are not specified in the context of Kennedy Agyapong’s call, Kyeremateng has been critical of the party’s handling of internal conflicts.
Rationale Behind the Call:
Kennedy Agyapong’s call for amnesty may be aimed at promoting party unity and reconciliation. By forgiving past transgressions, the NPP can potentially strengthen its internal cohesion and focus on future electoral successes.
Precedents for Reconciliation:
In the past, some party members have been reinstated after showing remorse for their actions. For instance, George Ayisi Boateng, a leading NPP member, urged Afoko and Agyapong to show remorse to return to the party, emphasizing that suspension doesn’t mean expulsion.