Calling NPP a ‘Fake Party’ Was Extreme, but Criticism Must Be Allowed – Asah-Asante
Political science lecturer says party faces challenges but branding it “fake” is inaccurate and extreme
- Asah-Asante says Prof. Frimpong-Boateng went too far by describing the NPP as a “fake party
- He urges the NPP to tolerate internal criticism
- The UG lecturer calls for due process
A Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has criticised former Environment Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng for what he describes as an excessive and inaccurate attack on the New Patriotic Party (NPP), while stressing that internal criticism should not be stifled.
Speaking on the controversy sparked by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s recent comments, Dr. Asah-Asante said referring to the NPP as a “fake party” was extreme, even though the party may be facing internal challenges that deserve open discussion.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, in a media interview on Monday, January 12, accused the leadership of the NPP of betraying its founding principles. His remarks triggered sharp backlash from the party, with General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua describing the comments as “highly reprehensible” and rejecting claims that the 2023 presidential primaries were manipulated in favour of then Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Although the NPP has begun processes to expel him, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng has maintained that he is still a party member and has stated that he will not appear before either the National Executive Committee or the Disciplinary Committee.
Reacting on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, January 13, Dr. Asah-Asante said while criticism is legitimate, branding the party as fake was unnecessary and misleading.
“There are problems within the party, and those can be discussed, but to describe the NPP as a fake party is going too far,” he said.
Nonetheless, he underscored that criticism is vital to democratic governance and party unity, warning that intolerance of dissent could weaken the NPP.
“Criticism oils the wheels of governance. Without it, political systems stagnate. The NPP must develop the capacity to absorb criticism if it wants to remain united,” he noted.
Dr. Asah-Asante further cautioned against the growing tendency to threaten expulsion over critical views, arguing that such actions could backfire.
“If you start throwing people out because they criticise you, eventually everybody will be thrown out,” he warned.
He called on the party to strictly adhere to due process in dealing with Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, stressing that the rule of law must guide any disciplinary action.
“He should be given the opportunity to be heard by the appropriate body, after which the rules should be applied,” he said, adding that bypassing laid-down procedures could be perceived as an attempt to silence dissent.
According to him, following due process will ensure that whatever decision is taken can be defended and accepted by party members and the wider public.
