The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is grappling with renewed internal tension following reports that Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye (Abronye DC), acted in a manner many within the party describe as disrespectful toward former President John Agyekum Kufuor during a recent high-level meeting.
Although Acting NPP Chairman Danquah Smith Butey has downplayed the incident as a “misunderstanding,” his own account reveals that Abronye’s conduct disrupted proceedings and drew concern among party members about the growing culture of indiscipline and disregard for senior figures within the party.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Butey admitted that discussions during the meeting “veered off track,” prompting him to intervene to restore order.
“After three people spoke, I realised I made a mistake by opening the floor, so I stopped it. I informed President Kufuor that his advice had been taken in good faith,” he explained.
According to sources present, the exchange followed a series of heated remarks from Abronye, whose tone and interruptions reportedly appeared dismissive of the former President’s guidance.
While Mr. Butey insists no insult was directly uttered, he conceded that Abronye’s actions amounted to “a misstep.”
Observers say such behavior — particularly toward a statesman and founding figure like Kufuor — reflects a troubling pattern of defiance and lack of decorum by some younger NPP leaders.
Critics argue that the party’s internal discipline has weakened, with outspoken figures like Abronye often escaping accountability for conduct that undermines the party’s hierarchy.
Mr. Butey also expressed regret that senior member Dr. Richard Anane made the incident public, saying it should have been handled through party structures.
However, his acknowledgment of Abronye’s “misconduct” appears to confirm that the incident was more serious than initially portrayed.
“If Abronye had insulted Kufuor, the consequences wouldn’t have been good,” Butey said — a statement that many interpret as an admission that the Bono Chairman came dangerously close to crossing the line of respect.
The controversy has reignited debate over respect for leadership within the NPP, with party loyalists calling for greater discipline and humility from younger executives who, critics say, have become emboldened by factional power struggles.
As one senior party member told Adom News, “You don’t raise your voice or challenge President Kufuor in that manner. Whether you call it a misunderstanding or not, it shows a lack of respect.”
For now, the party’s top brass faces the challenge of maintaining unity while ensuring that figures like Abronye — known for their fiery and confrontational style — are held to standards befitting the party’s traditions of respect and leadership.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
