Early NPP Presidential Primary Will Eradicate Mischief and Corruption – Dr. Ayew Afriye
Effiduase Asokore MP backs January 2026 primary, says it will promote discipline and reduce internal party tensions.
- Early NPP presidential primary will reduce corruption, flamboyant campaigns, and internal mischief
- Effiduase Asokore constituents strongly support Dr. Bawumia as the NPP flagbearer.
- MP cautions party members against divisive language and urges unity from the top down
Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, Hon. Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has strongly defended the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision to hold its presidential primary early, describing it as a move that will reduce mischief, corruption, and internal tensions within the party.
Speaking during an interview on Ghana Se Sen on Lawson TV/Radio on Monday, Hon. Afriye said the party’s decision to hold the presidential primary on January 31, 2026, well ahead of the 2028 general elections, is both strategic and necessary for unity and discipline.
He noted that the 2024 elections saw a dip in performance across the board for NPP candidates, a signal that Ghanaians are closely watching political leaders and taking stock of their actions.
“Ghanaians are deep, and they take stock of whatever you do,” he emphasized.
“We must be careful. Times have changed, and we have to find solutions that reflect the current political environment.”
According to the Effiduase Asokore MP, the early primary is aimed at curbing excessive campaign spending, corruption, and intra-party tension.
“This will kill mischief, flamboyant campaigns, and corruption. Billboards and extravagant spending will reduce. We cannot guarantee that this alone will bring success, but this is why the party leadership has decided to go this way,” he said.
Dr. Afriye also defended the popular support within his constituency for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the party again, dismissing claims that the presidential reforms are designed to favor him.
“My constituents love Bawumia. They understand politics now, and they want him to be the flagbearer again,” he said. “The top-down approach has been endorsed by the grassroots. Disturbances will not come in adopting this.”
He added that the party’s internal challenges today stem from division at the top, not the grassroots: “The party is divided from the top, unlike those days. Things have slanted, but they’re not broken.”
Hon. Afriye also cautioned political actors to be mindful of their public comments and avoid personal attacks.
“Your utterances will come back to haunt you. Political parties do not belong to individuals. Don’t go and insult or attack people on things that are not factual. Even if the person forgives you, deep down, they’ll be hurt.”
On criticisms directed at MPs who have publicly endorsed Dr. Bawumia, the MP called such rebukes unfair. “It is unfair to rebuke MPs for supporting Bawumia. These endorsements are not part of a grand scheme. People genuinely believe in his leadership.”
He concluded by urging unity and respect within the party as it prepares for the 2026 presidential primary.
