The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken decisive action against its Deputy Director of Communications, Ernest Owusu Bempah, for making public comments deemed damaging to party unity and in direct violation of internal directives.
In an official statement released by the party on April 22, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP formally referred Owusu Bempah to its National Disciplinary Committee.
The referral follows what the party describes as a breach of its earlier caution to members to refrain from public commentary that could incite disaffection or division within its ranks.
The disciplinary action comes on the heels of Owusu Bempah’s controversial interview on Oyerepa TV, where he blamed the NPP’s loss in the 2024 general elections on the party’s decision to field Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate.
According to Bempah, a significant portion of the party’s base – allegedly over 2.1 million supporters – abstained from voting because they were dissatisfied with the leadership’s candidate selection.
“Go down there with a hidden camera and ask the ordinary people why they refused to vote,” he stated, without citing empirical data to back the claims.
He cited anecdotal encounters, including a conversation with a taxi driver who claimed to have voted for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) despite being an NPP card-bearing member.
“We didn’t take the right candidate for him to come and vote for,” he emphasized.
Owusu Bempah’s remarks have caused ripples within the NPP, which is currently navigating a sensitive post-election period and seeking to reorganize under the guidance of the Prof. Mike Oquaye Committee, a body tasked with reviewing the party’s 2024 electoral performance.
While the NPP leadership has encouraged frank internal discussions to improve party structures and strategy, it has discouraged members from airing grievances in public or attacking fellow party leaders.
The party fears such behavior could fracture its unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The General Secretary’s statement reiterated this point: “Following the directives issued to all members of the Party to cease discussions on matters that create disaffection within the party in the media, Mr. Owusu Bempah has made several comments in social media which are suspected to be in contravention.”
A Pattern of Defiance?
Owusu Bempah, a former Communications Director at Ghana Gas, is no stranger to controversy.
Known for his strong and often polarizing opinions, he has previously clashed with both party insiders and opposition figures.
However, this latest incident has placed him directly in the crosshairs of the party’s disciplinary processes, raising questions about internal tolerance for dissent as well as the role of free expression within party structures.
Party sources suggest that the outcome of the disciplinary hearing could determine whether Owusu Bempah retains his official position within the NPP.
Looking Ahead
This development comes at a time when the NPP is attempting to rebuild after a disappointing electoral outcome in 2024.
Dr. Bawumia, the former Vice President and flagbearer, is still seen by many within the party as the future of the NPP, despite mixed reactions following the elections.
While figures like Adwoa Safo have publicly defended Bawumia and dismissed claims that he is to blame for the defeat, internal tensions such as the current episode with Owusu Bempah highlight the challenges the party faces as it strives to restore cohesion and prepare for the next electoral cycle.
The disciplinary committee is expected to convene in the coming weeks to hear the case against Owusu Bempah. Until then, the political base remains watchful — and divided — over what the outcome may signal for dissent and democracy within one of Ghana’s largest political parties.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
