Calls Mount for NPP to Reverse Ablekuma North Election Boycott Amid Mounting Pressure from Party Stalwarts and Grassroots

 Calls Mount for NPP to Reverse Assin North Election Boycott Amid Mounting Pressure from Party Stalwarts and Grassroots

In a fiery appeal to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), several party members and concerned stakeholders are calling for an immediate reconsideration of the party’s decision to boycott the upcoming by-election in the Assin North constituency. A powerful statement released by a senior party stalwart has reignited debate and raised fundamental questions about the party’s commitment to democracy and its readiness to contest every inch of political space in Ghana.

“To the National Executives, I respectfully urge a reconsideration of the decision to boycott. We must not retreat in the face of political pressure or calculation. We must remember what is at stake: the balance of parliamentary power, the morale of our grassroots, and the credibility of our party’s commitment to the democratic process.”

This statement has since gone viral within NPP circles, with many party faithful and political analysts weighing in on what they see as a pivotal moment for the party. The decision by the NPP to boycott the by-election, originally taken as a response to alleged irregularities and political hostilities in the constituency, is now facing a swell of opposition from within its own ranks.

A Battle for Parliamentary Control

At the heart of this issue lies the fragile balance of power in Parliament. With a near-equal number of seats between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), every seat counts. Assin North has proven to be a political hotspot, and its by-election is expected to significantly influence the direction of parliamentary business in the months leading to the 2024 general elections.

Political analyst and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Evans Armah, argues that, “Choosing not to contest sends the wrong message. It says the party is afraid of defeat. It demoralizes the base and elevates the confidence of the opposition.”

Indeed, that sentiment is shared by several grassroots organizers and NPP youth leaders in the Central Region. One such organizer, Kwesi Amissah, told Savanabit News that the boycott strategy is a “disservice to our volunteers, our canvassers, and those who risked much to hold our flag high in previous elections. If we give up now, we risk disillusioning the next generation of party workers.”

Calls Mount for NPP to Reverse Ablekuma North By-Election to

Pressure Mounts from Within

Former Minister of Energy and known NPP veteran, Dr. Wereko-Brobbey, also weighed in with a stern critique of the boycott move:

“This is not the NPP I joined. We contested when we had far less resources, when democracy was still fragile, and when our party structure was still taking form. This is the time to assert leadership, not surrender it. The people of Assin North deserve a choice.”

Other party elders, such as Madam Ama Busia, former member of the Council of State, have also expressed concern. In a radio interview on Accra-based Peace FM, she noted that “boycotts are tools of the weak. The NPP is not weak. We must not act like we are.”

Civil Society and Independent Commentaries

Beyond party lines, civil society organizations and independent governance observers have echoed similar sentiments. The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) issued a brief statement urging all political parties to “approach elections as democratic exercises and not transactional ventures. Boycotting elections undermines confidence in our democratic institutions.”

Political strategist and radio host Kojo Bentil warned on Joy FM that the NPP risks “a long-term branding issue. The opposition will have free rein to define the party as cowardly or undemocratic. Even neutral voters will raise eyebrows.”

Popular Opinions Divided, But Passionate

On social media, the debate rages on. While some sympathizers argue that the boycott is a protest against unjust rulings and political targeting, a larger portion of party followers are calling for an immediate U-turn.

A viral comment on Facebook reads:

“If NDC were in our shoes, they’d fight tooth and nail for this seat. We’re behaving like spectators in our own match. Very disappointing!”

Another user posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“You don’t win hearts by walking away. You win by fighting even in defeat. If we lose Assin North, let it be on the field, not from the shadows.”

The Road Ahead

The NEC is now under intense pressure to reconvene and reassess its strategy. Whether they will heed the rising calls remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the party’s decision is far from universally accepted.

As the original statement so eloquently put it:

“If we abandon this contest today, what precedent do we set for tomorrow? What shall we say when other critical seats are contested? How shall we answer future generations who ask whether we stood firm when the republic called?”

With the political clock ticking and national interest piqued, all eyes are now on the NPP to see whether it will double down—or stand up and fight.

Tags: #NPP #AssinNorth #ByElection #GhanaPolitics #Democracy #ParliamentPower #SavanabitNews