Former Communications Minister and Ablekuma West MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has defended outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, praising his contributions to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking at an event honoring Akufo-Addo’s contributions, Owusu-Ekuful criticized those who blame him for the party’s 2024 electoral loss. She highlighted Akufo-Addo’s financial support to the party, including monthly allowances to constituencies, regions, and national offices, as well as top-up payments to MPs.
Owusu-Ekuful’s remarks indirectly supported Kennedy Agyapong’s critiques of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership within the NPP. Agyapong had cautioned that selecting Bawumia as the party’s candidate could alienate grassroots supporters, a prophecy that materialized when over two million NPP members abstained from voting in 2024.
Owusu-Ekuful’s speech suggested that Akufo-Addo’s vision of handing over to an NPP president was undermined by internal factions. She urged unity within the party, warning that scapegoating loyalists could fracture the party further. Agyapong, present at the event, expressed gratitude to organizers and seemed to hint at his own legacy.
The speech has sparked mixed reactions, with some NPP members praising Owusu-Ekuful’s candor and others seeing it as a veiled critique of Bawumia’s leadership. As the NPP prepares for 2028, the debate about its future direction and unity continues. Owusu-Ekuful’s defense of Akufo-Addo and Agyapong’s warnings about internal disloyalty highlight the need for the party to address its internal challenges and work towards unity.
The NPP’s internal conflicts have been a subject of discussion for some time, and Owusu-Ekuful’s speech has brought the issue to the forefront. The party’s ability to unite and present a strong front will be crucial in determining its success in future elections. Akufo-Addo’s leadership has been credited with several achievements, and Owusu-Ekuful’s defense of him underscores the need for the party to appreciate its leaders and work towards a common goal.
The event where Owusu-Ekuful delivered her speech was attended by several high-profile NPP members, including Agyapong. The gathering was seen as a show of appreciation for Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the party, and Owusu-Ekuful’s speech was well-received by many in attendance. However, the reaction from other party members has been mixed, with some criticizing Owusu-Ekuful for her perceived attack on Bawumia.
