Kennedy Agyapong Falsely Targeted, Owusu-Bempah Refutes Claims

Ghana’s Deputy NPP Communications Chief Denounces Fabricated Statements About Kennedy Agyapong

Ernest Owusu-Bempah, the Deputy Communication Officer of Ghana’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly refuted allegations that he made critical remarks against fellow party stalwart Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. In a formal statement released yesterday, Owusu-Bempah described the claims circulating on social media and certain digital news platforms, including Opera News, as “entirely false, malicious, and misleading.”

“I have never made any public statement attacking or criticizing Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, whether before or after the party’s recent presidential primaries,” Owusu-Bempah clarified, expressing concern over what appears to be a deliberate attempt to create friction within the party’s ranks.

The controversy emerges at a sensitive moment for the NPP, which recently concluded its presidential primaries where Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victorious. Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent businessman and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, was among the contenders who placed second in the highly competitive internal election.

According to Owusu-Bempah, the fabricated statements were designed to damage the “long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and bond” between himself and Agyapong. Political analysts note that such tactics are not uncommon in Ghanaian politics, particularly during post-primary periods when parties work to consolidate unity before general elections.

“This is clearly the work of unscrupulous and faceless individuals attempting to sow discord within our party,” Owusu-Bempah stated. He emphasized that such divisive maneuvers could potentially undermine the NPP’s cohesion as it prepares for the 2024 general elections, where it will seek to extend its tenure beyond the customary eight years that most Ghanaian administrations have served since the return to democratic rule in 1992.

The NPP has faced challenges maintaining internal harmony after its competitive primaries. Kennedy Agyapong, known for his outspoken nature and significant influence within the party, has been a pivotal figure whose support will be crucial for the party’s general election campaign.

Owusu-Bempah has maintained a categorical stance on the matter, insisting that he has not granted any interviews or made any public comments regarding internal party matters since the conclusion of the primaries. “I urge the public and our party faithful to treat any claim to the contrary with the highest contempt it deserves,” he stated.

Political communication experts suggest that the incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Ghanaian politics, particularly on digital platforms where verification processes are often minimal. Opera News, mentioned specifically in Owusu-Bempah’s statement, is a popular news aggregator in Ghana and across Africa that has previously faced criticism for occasionally featuring unverified content.

The NPP’s communication machinery has been actively working to maintain a united front following the primaries. Owusu-Bempah’s forceful rejection of the alleged statements appears to be part of this broader strategy to prevent factional divisions from becoming entrenched.

“We must remain united and focused following our competitive internal elections,” Owusu-Bempah urged fellow party members. “Attempts to manufacture division will not succeed.”

As Ghana moves closer to its 2024 elections, political observers expect increased scrutiny of party communications and heightened vigilance against misinformation campaigns that could affect party cohesion and public perception. Owusu-Bempah concluded his statement with a call for the public to remain alert to such misinformation and to disregard the fabricated news entirely.