Joseph Osei Owusu
A delegate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Odotobri Constituency of the Ashanti Region, Kwasi Asante, has petitioned the party’s Presidential Election Committee to investigate an alleged audio recording suggesting that there is a plan by some individuals to disrupt the party’s presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.
The recording, shared on social media features an individual alleged to be instructing regional and constituency executives to recruit individuals he referred to as “commandos” ahead of the presidential primary.
Mr. Asante in a statement issued on January 16, 2026, said the recording appears to show some persons actively compiling and sharing lists containing names and contact numbers of persons believed to be part of these alleged militia groups.
He said the purported recruitment drive constitutes a clear violation of the operational guidelines issued by the NPP Elections Committee noting that the rules governing the party’s flagbearer election explicitly prohibit the use of “macho men,” private security operatives, or any unauthorised persons at voting centers.
He stressed that the alleged recording must be thoroughly investigated to prevent a recurrence of the violence witnessed during the Ablekuma North election rerun, where some thugs were captured on video harassing voters while security personnel appeared reluctant to intervene.
The delegate also called on the party’s leadership, particularly the Elections Committee, to conduct a full inquiry into the authenticity of the recording and the alleged recruitment activities.
He believes such an investigation is necessary to ensure that the rules governing the presidential primary are enforced fairly, without fear or favour.
Mr. Asante also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to adopt a proactive security strategy.
He stated, “The police must assure the public that they will investigate this matter now, and not wait until violence erupts,” he said. “I urge fellow delegates to demand accountability and transparency from the Elections Committee as we head to the polls”.
In less than two weeks, the NPP will hold its presidential primary to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general election.
The aspirants contesting the race include former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong; former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and former General Secretary of the NPP, Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
A Daily Guide Report