Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over what he describes as a growing disregard for the party’s rules and constitution, following the controversy surrounding the annulment of constituency executive elections in parts of the Ashanti Region.
According to him, the party’s tradition of discipline and respect for the rule of law is being undermined by some members, warning that the situation could damage the NPP if not addressed.
“There is no law and order in the NPP, and I don’t get it because this is not what we started in 1992. The youth have taken over the party and are doing whatever they want with it. We shall not allow them to destroy the party,” he said.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Hammond expressed disappointment in Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for participating in the inauguration of constituency executives after the party’s National Steering Committee had annulled the elections.
“I’m disappointed in Chairman Wontumi. He was part of the people who inaugurated the elections, meanwhile the party has annulled them. What was that for?” he questioned.
He urged party members to respect court orders and decisions of the party hierarchy, insisting that no one should place themselves above the NPP’s constitution.
“There is a court order and you are not adhering to it. From time immemorial, we have been a law-abiding party, so what has changed? Some youth are being instigated and causing harm. If you don’t want to adhere to the laws, then leave the party,” he stated.
Mr. Hammond stressed that once the National Steering Committee had annulled the elections, all party members were obliged to comply with the decision.
His comments come after the NPP invalidated the results of constituency executive elections in Bantama, Afigya Sekyere East and Adansi Asokwa, citing what it described as serious breaches of party directives, electoral regulations and, in some instances, court orders.
The decision, reached at a meeting of the party’s National Steering Committee on July 15, has since generated controversy, particularly in Adansi Asokwa, where concerned polling station executives and other stakeholders have challenged the annulment.
At a press conference, the group argued that the National Steering Committee failed to provide the legal and constitutional basis for its decision, insisting that no evidence, investigations or specific court order affecting the Adansi Asokwa elections had been disclosed.
Source: adomonline.com
