The women’s organizer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asuogyaman constituency, Madam Juliana Akusika Nkegbe, has launched a scathing attack on Pius Enam Hadzide, accusing him of being responsible for the party’s poor performance in the recent parliamentary elections.
The incumbent NDC Member of Parliament Thomas Ampem Nyarko polled 26,085 representing 55.06% defeating Pius Enam Hadzide,the NPP parliamentary candidate who secured 21290 representing 44.94%
In a statement that has deepened the already brewing tensions within the NPP in the constituency, Madam Juliana Nkegbe accused the former parliamentary candidate of undermining party unity and compromising the integrity of the party’s electoral processes during the party’s primaries to gain advantage.
She accused him of smuggling individuals from the North Tongu and North Dayi constituencies into the register, with the alleged assistance of the North Tongu women’s organizer
She alleged that Mr. Hadzide gave undue influence to the North Tongu women’s organizer, effectively sidelining the Asuogyaman executives and rendering them powerless. This move, she claimed, created resentment among local executives and weakened the party’s cohesion ahead of the elections.
Madam Nkegbe further accused Mr. Hadzide of going into the elections with a divided front by ignoring the majority of constituency executives. According to her, this approach alienated key stakeholders and contributed significantly to the party’s defeat.
These allegations have sparked calls for investigations within the party, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of the processes leading up to the elections.
Mavis Opokua Akunnor, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asuogyaman, has also leveled accusations against the constituency secretary, Okomfo Addo, alleging embezzlement of campaign funds meant for the “ways and means” activities of Pius Enam Hadzide and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaigns.
The furious DCE made this assertion when she clashed with some constituency executives after Pius Hadzide’s defeat in the December 7 elections.
The DCE alleged that Okomfo Addo misappropriated GH₵450, 000 allocated for campaign activities, claiming he delayed the disbursement of the funds to voters while demanding additional amounts.
“You were given GH₵4.5 billion(old cedis) at 8 a.m., but you held onto it for hours at Green Hotel, insisting the balance be paid before sharing it,” she stated.
In addition, Mavis Akunnor accused Okomfo Addo of withdrawing funds from the constituency account and misapplying them, as well as squandering money allocated for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign.
“On election day, at a critical time, you were spotted drinking at a bar near Goil instead of mobilizing for the party,” she charged.
Party insiders believe this development could deepen divisions within the Asuogyaman constituency, making reconciliation efforts more challenging.
Many have called for swift interventions from the regional and national leadership to restore unity and rebuild trust within the constituency.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Kojo Ansah/Koforidua