In the Offinso North Constituency of the Ashanti Region, political tensions are escalating within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as some members voice concerns over perceived manipulations by incumbent MP Collins Ntim ahead of the parliamentary primaries.
Allegations include the improper use of funds earmarked for constituents, discriminatory sharing among selected delegates, and a suspected vote-buying scheme.
During a press conference held in Nkenkanso on January 15, 2024, Kwakye Andrews, a delegate, accused Collins Ntim, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural development, of hoarding funds from the ‘Ghana Productive Safety Net Program.’ The funds are purportedly intended for the constituency’s needy, but delegates claim they are being selectively distributed to influence votes. Andrews disclosed that part of this alleged “vote-buying plot” involves the distribution of 180 motorcycles stored in a cashew warehouse, contingent on delegates pledging support for the incumbent MP.
The aggrieved delegates further accused Hon AC Ntim of creating divisions within the constituency, leading to negative repercussions for the NPP’s electoral prospects. They highlighted instances where the MP allegedly expelled around 80 delegates, including electoral area coordinators, polling agents, and even Mr Andrews himself, for speaking out.
In response to these allegations, the campaign team of Hon AC Ntim issued a statement on January 16, 2024, vehemently denying the accusations. The statement dismissed the claims as “falsehoods” propagated by supporters of aspiring MP Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah. According to the statement, the funds from the Productive Safety Net Program were allocated to deserving party members who contributed to the success of the MP’s agricultural initiatives, specifically in cashews and other cash crops. These participants were purportedly enrolled in the program as beneficiaries to receive startup capital for small businesses.
The statement not only refuted the allegations but also criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Offinso North for allegedly interfering in the NPP’s internal affairs by supporting Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah in the upcoming primaries. The NPP delegates, expressing discontent, called on party leadership led by regional Chairman Wontume to intervene and prevent potential repercussions for the party in the constituency.
