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Ahiagbah Slams Prof. Frimpong-Boateng Over “Fake” Party Slur

Introduction

The internal dynamics of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have once again come under intense scrutiny following a high-profile confrontation between the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, and Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. This clash, which reached a fever pitch over the weekend, centers on allegations of constitutional violations and the erosion of party discipline.

At the heart of this dispute is Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s recent characterization of the NPP as a “fake party.” This statement, made during a televised interview, has triggered a strong rebuke from the party hierarchy. Ahiagbah’s critique is not merely a response to verbal criticism; it represents a broader concern regarding party cohesion, the adherence to internal mechanisms for dispute resolution, and the potential for political chaos. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict, exploring the background, the key arguments, and the implications for the NPP’s future.

Key Points

Background

To fully grasp the gravity of the current dispute, one must look at the historical context and the specific grievances that have simmered between Professor Frimpong-Boateng and the NPP leadership.

The Galamsey Report and Its Aftermath

The roots of the current friction can be traced back to 2021 with the publication of the controversial 600-page Galamsey Report. Authored by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, the report on illegal mining in Ghana implicated several high-ranking NPP officials. This document transformed the Professor from a party loyalist into a perceived whistleblower.

While the Professor viewed his actions as necessary for national interest and party integrity, the NPP leadership increasingly viewed him as a “loose cannon.” The report created a rift that has widened over time, with the party leadership fearing that such disclosures could damage the NPP’s electoral prospects in the 2028 general elections.

The Danquah-Busia-Dombo Tradition

The NPP is not just a political party; it is a coalition of traditions, notably the Danquah-Busia-Dombo lineage. This tradition relies heavily on internal unity and respect for hierarchy. When a senior member like Prof. Frimpong-Boateng—a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and a founding member of the party—breaks ranks, the symbolic damage is significant. Ahiagbah’s reference to “constitutional subversion” highlights the fear that such actions threaten the foundational values of the tradition.

Analysis

The confrontation between Richard Ahiagbah and Prof. Frimpong-Boateng offers a case study in party discipline versus individual dissent. The following analysis breaks down the specific arguments and the legalistic framework of the NPP.

The Televised Interview and the “Fake” Label

The flashpoint occurred during an appearance on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV. During this interview on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng did not mince words. By describing the NPP as a “fake party,” he struck at the legitimacy of the current leadership.

For the average voter, this rhetoric might seem like standard political infighting. However, within the context of internal party governance, this is a severe breach. Ahiagbah’s analysis suggests that the Professor’s comments were not a spontaneous outburst but a “planned attempt” to bypass party structures. This implies a strategic move to undermine the leadership publicly rather than resolve issues privately.

Constitutional Violations: Exhaustion of Internal Remedies

Richard Ahiagbah’s primary critique rests on procedural grounds. He argues that the NPP Constitution mandates members to exhaust internal complaint mechanisms before going public with grievances. This is a standard clause in most political party constitutions designed to maintain cohesion and prevent public embarrassment.

Ahiagbah stated, “Prof. Frimpong-Boateng had the opportunity to deal with this matter internally. But by not exhausting or dealing with this matter internally and going out there to kind of introduce that subject, it is contrary to our Constitution.” This highlights a fundamental clash between the right to free speech and the contractual obligation of party membership. The analysis suggests that the NPP views the Professor’s public outbursts as a direct violation of the “social contract” he signed when joining the party.

The Dilemma of the “Founding Member”

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s defense relies on his pedigree. As a “founding member,” he argues that he cannot be driven out of a home he helped build. This creates a complex dilemma for the party leadership. How does a party discipline a founding father?

However, Ahiagbah counters this by emphasizing that no member is above the party constitution. The “founding member” status does not grant immunity from the rules that govern the collective. The standoff represents a test of the party’s judicial maturity: can it enforce rules against its own architects?

The Threat of Chaos and Precedent

Ahiagbah’s warning that failure to enforce rules will lead to “chaos” is rooted in political science principles of organizational behavior. If a senior member is allowed to publicly disparage the party without consequence, it sets a dangerous precedent for junior cadres.

The “slippery slope” argument suggests that lower-ranking members would feel emboldened to break ranks, leading to a fractured front. Ahiagbah’s stance is that the expulsion process is not merely punitive but preventive—sanitizing the party’s ranks to ensure discipline before the 2028 elections.

Practical Advice

For political observers, party members, and students of governance, this conflict offers several practical lessons on managing internal dissent and maintaining organizational integrity.

For Political Parties: Managing Internal Dissent

Political parties must have clear, accessible, and transparent internal dispute resolution mechanisms. If members feel that internal channels are ineffective or biased, they are more likely to resort to public media. The NPP case illustrates the need for:

• Clear Communication Channels: Ensuring that senior members know exactly how to raise grievances without violating party rules.
• Mediation Structures: Establishing neutral arbitration bodies that can handle high-stakes disputes between founding members and current leadership.

For Political Analysts: Interpreting Rhetoric

When analyzing political statements like the “fake party” slur, it is crucial to distinguish between emotional rhetoric and strategic positioning. Analysts should look for:

• Timing: Why now? Is the criticism timed to influence upcoming primaries or general elections?
• Platform Choice: Public TV interviews suggest a desire to mobilize public opinion, whereas internal memos suggest a desire for resolution.
• Historical Context: Always cross-reference current grievances with past reports (like the Galamsey Report) to identify the root causes.

For Party Members: Understanding the Rules

Every party member, regardless of rank, should familiarize themselves with the party constitution. Understanding the specific clauses regarding:

• Gag Orders: Restrictions on public commentary.
• Disciplinary Procedures: The steps involved in expulsion processes.
• Appeals Processes: The rights of the accused during disciplinary hearings.

This knowledge is vital to avoid inadvertent violations that could lead to sanctions.

FAQ

Conclusion

The clash between Richard Ahiagbah and Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng is more than a personal disagreement; it is a litmus test for the internal democracy and discipline of the New Patriotic Party. As the 2028 elections approach, the party faces the dual challenge of managing the fallout from the Galamsey Report while maintaining a unified front.

Ahiagbah’s firm stance underscores the party’s zero-tolerance for public dissent that bypasses internal structures, while Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s defiance highlights the complex power dynamics involving founding members. The resolution of this standoff will likely set a precedent for how the NPP handles high-profile internal conflicts in the future. Whether this ends in reconciliation or expulsion, the outcome will significantly impact the party’s cohesion and its readiness for the next electoral cycle.