A deepening internal dispute within Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has triggered unrest in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, where hundreds of party members are protesting mass disqualifications in an ongoing internal vetting process.
Aggrieved members say the screening of aspirants for polling station executive positions has been marred by irregularities, alleging that disqualifications were based on arbitrary grounds and designed to favour a particular faction.
Among the reasons cited, according to affected members, are claims of associating with opposition figures, operating businesses near rival party posters, and supporting parliamentary hopefuls not aligned with influential local actors.
One party member challenged her exclusion, saying she had rejoined the party after previously backing an independent candidate and had actively supported its activities during the 2024 election cycle.
“How can you now turn around and say I am not a member of the party?” she said.
Tensions at vetting centres have escalated, with reports of heated exchanges, verbal confrontations and allegations of document tampering, including claims that submitted forms were altered to justify disqualifications.
Some aspirants also say they were denied the opportunity to be vetted entirely, with officials citing missing documents.
Critics further allege that the process lacked transparency, with invitations issued selectively and concerns raised over the composition of vetting committees, including the involvement of individuals not formally mandated to participate.
Multiple petitions have been submitted to regional and national executives of the party, but members say there has been little response so far.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of the party’s loss of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem parliamentary seat for the first time in nearly three decades, a result many supporters attribute to internal divisions.
Some members have warned they may withdraw from party activities or support independent candidates if their concerns are not addressed.
“If you don’t want us in the party, then don’t come to us after primaries to preach unity,” one group said.
Another member, identified as Moses from the Agona Electoral Area, said the party risked repeating past mistakes.
“We have not learnt any lessons. We seem comfortable with defeat and not interested in rebuilding the party,” he said.
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