Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has raised concerns over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) internal disciplinary process, questioning why Adwoa Safo has been singled out for scrutiny while other senior party members have made similar statements without facing any repercussions.
His observations have added to the growing debate on the party’s handling of dissent in the aftermath of its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
The political analyst highlighted what he sees as inconsistencies in the party’s approach, arguing that Adwoa Safo’s case appears to be an exception rather than the rule.
He pointed out that several other prominent figures within the party have publicly commented on the NPP’s performance in the last elections, yet none of them have been summoned by the disciplinary committee.
“I believe the approach by the party itself is selective, the fact that many other party members have made, you know, comments publicly on the party’s defeat in the 2024 election.
“And so they are surprised that, why is the party, appearing to be, quote and unquote, targeting Adwoa Safo in this particular situation?”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Science Lecturer
His remarks underscore the perception of bias in how the party enforces its internal rules. According to Dr. Asah-Asante, the inconsistency in disciplinary actions raises questions about the party’s commitment to fairness and internal democracy.
Selective Disciplinary Measures
Dr. Asah-Asante expressed his disappointment with what he described as an unfair approach to internal discipline, citing several high-ranking party members including the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK), Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Mr. Iddrisu Musa (Musa Superior), and former Subin MP Eugene Boakye Antwi as individuals who have made public comments about the party’s struggles.
“That is why I myself find it very, very unfortunate in the sense that we have seen a lot of giants who have spoken about their defeat”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Science Lecturer
His concern lies in the apparent inconsistency in how the party applies its disciplinary measures.
“Why were they not called to the disciplinary committee and that you want to call Adwoa? I don’t get it”
For him, the decision to single out Adwoa Safo for scrutiny contradicts the principles of fairness and inclusivity that should define a democratic organization.
He emphasized that a political party must be open to internal criticism and debate in order to grow stronger.
“But one thing the party misses is that, as a democratic party, they should be able to allow people to vent their grievances so that at the end of the day, they can pick the pieces and then rebuild the party”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Science Lecturer
According to Dr. Asah-Asante, any democratic institution must be willing to embrace different viewpoints, even when they challenge the status quo.
“That’s the spirit behind any democratic enterprise; that you are prepared, to have big stomach, to stomach all shades of opinion and then at the end of the day, out of that, you take a decision”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Science Lecturer
Weak Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Beyond the specific case of Adwoa Safo, Dr. Asah-Asante believes the NPP is failing to foster unity within its ranks.
He argued that the party is not allowing a proper healing process to take place following its electoral loss.
In his view, effective conflict resolution requires giving members the space to express their grievances before moving toward reconciliation.
“So for me, they are not allowing healing processes to go on,” he noted.
He elaborated on how conflict resolution should be handled within a political party, especially after a divisive electoral cycle.
“A cardinal point about conflict resolution is that you allow people to grieve. And you then set in motion the process of reconciling them”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Science Lecturer
Dr. Asah-Asante believes the issues currently facing the party are the result of unresolved grievances from the NPP’s primaries and internal elections.
Some members, he said, still feel sidelined, and the party’s mechanisms for addressing such concerns appear weak.
“This is part of the problems that have been born out of the NPP primaries, the NPP elections, which some people felt, you know, aggrieved.
“And the mechanisms within the party, I feel that they do not exist, if they do, they are weak, could not resolve these things. So that is the result that we are seeing”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Science Lecturer
His comments suggest that the party’s internal challenges could persist unless significant steps are taken to improve conflict resolution and foster a more inclusive environment.
Dr. Asah-Asante’s remarks have reignited discussions about the NPP’s handling of dissent and internal democracy.
As the party navigates its post-election challenges, his critique serves as a reminder that unity cannot be imposed through selective disciplinary actions but must be built through open dialogue and fair treatment of all members.
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