Story By: Felix Ernest Odamtten & Muhammed Faisal Mustapha
THE NEW Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region is facing growing internal discontent as a section of party supporters and grassroots members accuse their Member of Parliament, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as “Protozoa”, of presiding over deepening divisions that could cost the party the parliamentary seat if left unresolved.
The concerns emerged during the constituency’s ongoing electoral activities, where supporters from various polling stations and electoral areas openly expressed frustration over what they described as the deteriorating state of unity within the party. Many warned that unless urgent steps are taken to reconcile the various factions, the NPP could struggle to retain the constituency in future elections.
The supporters are therefore appealing to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP and the Office of the party’s 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to intervene immediately and facilitate reconciliation among all stakeholders before the divisions become irreversible.
In separate interviews, several party members alleged that the constituency has become increasingly divided since Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe assumed office as Member of Parliament. According to them, disagreements that were once manageable have grown into serious factional disputes that are weakening the party’s structures and dampening the morale of loyal members.
They further alleged that relations between the MP and sections of the constituency executives, electoral area coordinators, polling station executives and grassroots organisers have become strained, leaving many dedicated party members feeling sidelined and excluded from important decisions affecting the constituency.
Some supporters also accused the MP of focusing more on consolidating support among selected delegates than promoting reconciliation across the constituency. They claimed this perceived favouritism has created mistrust, widened divisions and weakened the spirit of teamwork that once existed within the party.
According to the supporters, Suhum is blessed with highly accomplished party members, including lawyers, medical practitioners, entrepreneurs and other professionals who are willing to contribute their expertise and resources towards rebuilding the constituency. However, they alleged that many of these individuals have deliberately been pushed aside because they are perceived as potential political rivals to the current parliamentary leadership.
They further claimed that instead of drawing on the experience and influence of these professionals, the constituency leadership has surrounded itself with a relatively small circle of loyalists who, in their view, lack the organisational capacity, influence and financial strength needed to mobilise the party effectively, particularly at a time when the NPP is rebuilding after losing the 2024 general elections.
The supporters argued that sidelining experienced party members has denied the constituency valuable ideas, leadership and resources that could strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and improve its chances in future elections.
Beyond the party’s internal challenges, several supporters and residents also expressed disappointment over what they described as the slow pace of development in the constituency. They cited concerns over poor roads, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, educational challenges and limited economic opportunities, insisting that the constituency deserves stronger advocacy to attract more government projects.
Some interviewees also questioned Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe’s visibility in Parliament, alleging that he has maintained a relatively low profile on issues affecting Suhum. They argued that constituents expect a more vocal representative who will consistently champion their interests during parliamentary debates and national policy discussions.
The supporters recalled that during his campaign for the NPP parliamentary primaries, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe promised to unite the party and restore confidence among the grassroots. While acknowledging that political leadership comes with enormous challenges, they maintained that many supporters believe those promises have yet to be fulfilled.
Political observers have often noted that unity remains one of the most important ingredients for electoral victory, especially in competitive constituencies such as Suhum. They warn that prolonged internal disputes can weaken campaign structures, discourage volunteers, reduce financial support and ultimately create opportunities for political opponents.
The concerns from Suhum come at a time when political parties across the country are reviewing their internal structures following the outcome of the 2024 general elections. Reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation and organisational renewal have become major priorities as parties prepare for the next electoral cycle.
Several supporters warned that failure to resolve the current impasse could gradually erode the confidence of committed party members and weaken the NPP’s electoral fortunes in Suhum.
“Political victories are built on unity, not division. Once the grassroots lose confidence, rebuilding that trust becomes extremely difficult,” one supporter remarked.
Another added, “Suhum deserves leadership that brings everyone to the same table. Without reconciliation, it will be difficult for the party to move forward.”
The supporters are therefore calling on the National Executive Committee of the NPP and the Office of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to convene an inclusive dialogue involving Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, constituency executives, polling station officers and grassroots members to restore unity within the party.
They believe that genuine reconciliation, inclusive leadership, renewed grassroots participation and greater attention to the constituency’s development needs will help rebuild confidence and reposition the NPP ahead of future elections.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
