An opinion piece by an NPP grassroots member argues the party should focus on opposition work in Parliament rather than an early campaign for the 2028 vice-presidential slot.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has publicly challenged what he describes as an organised push to position Nana Ayew Afriye, Member of Parliament for Effiduase, as running mate to the party's flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the 2028 general election.
The argument was set out in an opinion article published by Daily Guide Network and written by Gideon Kwasi Annor, who identifies himself as a member of the NPP's Abuakwa South Constituency. It is a commentary piece, not a news investigation, and the claims in it are the author's own.
What the writer is arguing
Annor's central point is that the NPP has finished its major internal elections — from polling station executives through constituency, regional, diaspora and national officers, as well as the congress that elected Dr Bawumia — and should now concentrate on holding the government of President John Mahama to account rather than on internal jockeying.
He lists the issues he believes the party should be pressing: the cocaine trade and border security, galamsey (illegal small-scale mining), the government's 24-hour economy promise, rising electricity tariffs and fuel prices, labour concerns over wages, and access to secondary school places. He also argues that the cedi's relative stability against the dollar has not yet eased household pressures.
The questions raised about the MP
Ayew Afriye is Ranking Member — the most senior opposition member — on Parliament's Health Committee. Annor questions whether he has been forceful enough in scrutinising Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
He also refers to claims circulating among party members about a hospital linked to the MP and arrangements said to involve medical examinations for newly recruited security personnel, and to questions raised during the Eighth Parliament about a project he calls the Lightwave project. Annor is explicit that these are allegations, not established findings, and says Ayew Afriye should be given the opportunity to respond with facts.
On experience, the writer notes that, based on the public record as he understands it, Ayew Afriye has not served as a substantive Minister or Deputy Minister. He compares this with past running mates including John Mahama, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Dr Bawumia himself, each of whom held senior institutional or ministerial roles.
He further raises the question of regional balance, saying Ayew Afriye's mother is from Kotokoli and his father from Akropong in the Eastern Region, and asks whether a ticket with two figures perceived as having northern roots would help or hurt the party.
What happens next
No running mate selection is due yet; parliamentary primaries remain the party's next big internal exercise. Annor's view is that Dr Bawumia should be left to choose freely, on merit.
