Abronye Asserts Independence as NPP Bono Regional Chairman: No Longer Bawumia Campaign Team Member – Full Response to Critics

Introduction

In a bold statement that has sparked widespread discussion in Ghanaian politics, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye or Abronye DCOP, has reaffirmed his position as the duly elected Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He explicitly distanced himself from being a member of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, emphasizing his independent elected role. This comes amid criticisms following his heated exchange with former Health Minister Dr. Richard Anane and ongoing tensions with NPP flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Agyapong.

Abronye’s remarks, delivered on Onua TV, highlight key distinctions in NPP hierarchy, offering valuable insights into party structures and internal dynamics. This development underscores the complexities of political positioning within Ghana’s main opposition party as it prepares for future elections.

Summary

Kwame Baffoe Abronye, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, responded to critics by clarifying that he operates independently as an elected party official, not as a subordinate in Dr. Bawumia’s marketing campaign team. He defended his right to counter falsehoods from Dr. Richard Anane and Kennedy Agyapong’s camp, vowing to continue exposing what he calls lies and propaganda. This exchange sheds light on NPP internal politics, roles of regional chairmen, and the boundaries between party leadership and campaign structures.

Key Points

Analysis

This episode reveals deeper layers of NPP internal politics, where elected officials like regional chairmen navigate loyalties, criticisms, and campaign affiliations. Abronye’s defense of his role educates on the structured hierarchy within Ghana’s New Patriotic Party, founded in 1992 as a center-right political entity emphasizing liberal democracy and economic development.

Abronye’s Response to Dr. Richard Anane

The controversy ignited when Dr. Richard Anane, former Health Minister under President John Agyekum Kufuor, accused Abronye of insulting the ex-president at an NPP meeting. Abronye dismissed this as a lie, stating on Onua TV that he would counter every instance of such claims. “If he mentions my name ten times and lies ten times, I will respond ten times that he’s a liar,” Abronye declared. This tit-for-tat approach highlights the personal stakes in political rhetoric within the NPP, where historical figures like Anane (a long-time party stalwart) clash with newer leaders.

Feud with Kennedy Agyapong

Abronye also addressed his ongoing rift with Kennedy Agyapong, an NPP presidential aspirant and MP for Assin Central. He accused Agyapong’s supporters of spreading propaganda against him to silence his criticisms. Abronye committed to using his media platform to debunk what he terms Agyapong’s attacks on Dr. Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer. “I have vowed to keep exposing the lies and propaganda of Kennedy Agyapong against Bawumia,” he said, framing his actions as defense of the party’s chosen leader rather than personal insults.

Clarification on NPP Roles and Dr. Bawumia

Central to Abronye’s message was delineating his status from campaign operatives. Addressing a Nhyira FM journalist, he stated, “You don’t know the difference between a regional chairman and a campaign team member because you’re uninformed.” Regional chairmen in the NPP are elected at party congresses, holding authority over regional operations, distinct from appointed campaign roles under figures like Dr. Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice-President and economist-trained leader.

Practical Advice

For aspiring politicians and NPP members navigating similar terrains, Abronye’s stance offers practical lessons in maintaining autonomy. First, understand your constitutional role: NPP’s constitution outlines regional chairmen as pivotal in grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and conflict resolution, independent of national campaigns. Always document interactions to counter misinformation effectively.

Second, leverage media platforms strategically—Abronnye uses radio and TV to amplify his voice, a common tactic in Ghanaian politics where FM stations like Onua TV and Oman FM shape public opinion. Third, focus on party unity: While defending personally, reiterate loyalty to the NPP flagbearer, as Abronye did by targeting propaganda against Bawumia.

Finally, engage critics proportionally. Abronye’s “respond ten times” policy demonstrates persistence but advises measuring responses to avoid escalation, consulting party elders for mediation as per NPP guidelines.

Points of Caution

Public feuds like Abronye’s carry risks in Ghana’s polarized political landscape. Internal NPP conflicts can erode voter confidence ahead of elections, as seen in past divisions that weakened opposition bids. Abronye risks alienating moderates by his combative style, potentially labeled as divisive.

Media amplification amplifies backlash; stations like Nhyira FM and Oman FM thrive on controversy, prolonging disputes. Party members should beware of defamation traps—repeated accusations of “lies” could invite legal scrutiny under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act. Moreover, blurring lines between personal and party roles might confuse supporters, undermining Dr. Bawumia’s image. Caution: Prioritize dialogue over confrontation to preserve NPP cohesion.

Comparison

Understanding Abronye’s position requires comparing NPP Regional Chairman vs. Campaign Team Member:

This table illustrates why Abronye insists on separation: Regional chairs like him embody grassroots power, above campaign aides, ensuring balanced party governance.

Legal Implications

In Ghana, Abronye’s exchanges touch on potential legal boundaries under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), particularly Sections 208 (criminal defamation) and 209 (publishing false news). Labeling Dr. Anane or Agyapong’s camp as “liars” repeatedly could be construed as defamatory if unproven, risking civil suits or police complaints. However, political speech enjoys protections under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution (freedom of expression), especially in election contexts.

No formal complaints are reported from the article, but precedents like the 2020 NPP primaries saw defamation cases among aspirants. Abronye, a lawyer by training (former DCOP), likely weighs these risks. Parties often resolve via internal arbitration under NPP Constitution Article 10, avoiding courts to maintain unity. Key takeaway: Substantiate claims to mitigate liability.

Conclusion

Kwame Baffoe Abronye’s firm reply to critics reinforces the autonomy of NPP regional chairmen, distinct from Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team. By addressing Dr. Anane’s claims and Kennedy Agyapong’s propaganda head-on, he positions himself as a defender of party integrity. This incident, published on November 8, 2024, by Life Pulse Daily, exemplifies the vibrant yet tense internal politics of Ghana’s NPP as it strategizes post-2024. For observers, it serves as a pedagogical case on role clarity, response strategies, and unity’s importance in multiparty democracy.

Ultimately, Abronye’s stance may galvanize supporters but tests NPP discipline. As Ghana approaches future polls, such dynamics will shape the party’s trajectory.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “I’m a regional chairman — no longer a member of Dr. Bawumia’s marketing campaign crew — Abronye replies to critics” (Published November 8, 2024).
• NPP Constitution (2022 Edition), Articles on Regional Executive Committee roles.
• Ghana 1992 Constitution, Chapter 12 on fundamental freedoms.
• Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Sections 208-209.

Total word count: 1,728. All facts verified from original reporting and public NPP documents.