The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has said that a former flagbearer aspirant of the NPP, Boakye Agyarko may have disagreed with the decision of the party but he will not stop active membership of the NPP.
Ahiagbah explained that the risk that all members of a political party take is to abide by all the rules and regulations of the party.
Speaking in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on the Sunrise show on 3FM on Thursday, August 31, Mr Ahiagbah said “He would be better served if he stayed and pursued his membership with the party but if he decides that it is grounds enough for him to withdraw which I doubt he would do given his contribution and place in the party. He may disagree with the decision but I doubt it will pull him away from active membership.
“But I think that is a risk we all take in joining a collective group such as the NPP, a political party that has rules and a constitution that gives powers to a certain organ to exercise on behalf of all of us.
“So my best prayer is that he won’t take any decision in that direction but he will continue to be an active party member to help us build a strong party and ultimately a better Ghana.”
The Former Energy Minister has served notice he will not take part in Saturday’s run-off with former Asante Mampong Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Addai-Nimoh.
According to Mr Agyarko, it is unconstitutional for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to allow only National Council members vote.
A decision was taken on Wednesday, August 30 to restrict Saturday’s run-off, which is meant to elect a fifth aspirant for the November 4 Presidential Primary, to only members of the Council.
According to the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision was taken, inter alia, to save cost.
But Mr Agyarko says this is not constitutional and he will not take part in any unconstitutionality.
“It is totally unacceptable to me that such an unconstitutional act can be perpetuated on the altar of expediency,” he indicated in a letter to the Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee.
“Am I to surmise that the party did not know the cost implication? It is unconscionable that the rules of the game will be changed midstream,” he stated on Thursday, August 31.
“Rules and regulations that are flip-flopped in such a manner is only detrimental to fair play and justice.
“It is a clear violation of the party’s constitution and the guidelines for the Special Electoral College. It is an unconstitutional act which I cannot allow myself to be associated with.”
He said his conscience will judge him if he partakes in such a process arrived at from an “errant decision”.
“I, therefore, respectfully, serve this notice to refrain from such a contest. As always, I wish the party well.”
This decision is likely to give Mr Addai-Nimoh the greenlight to be part of the five for the November 4 primary.