Frank Yeboah Mensah, a Constituency Officer in the Ashanti Region, says he has withdrawn his support for Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, over his perceived stance in the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional elections.
In an open letter addressed to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, Mr. Yeboah Mensah commended the former Education Minister for his political experience, intellect and contribution to the party but expressed disappointment over what he described as a departure from an earlier commitment to remain neutral in the regional contest.
Mr. Yeboah Mensah said he appreciated the GH¢1,000 reportedly provided to Constituency Organizers at a meeting at Miklin. However, he raised concerns about what he said was a disparity between the amount given to Constituency Chairpersons and that received by Organizers, whom Dr. Opoku Prempeh had described as the “engine of the party.”
He also praised NAPO for stressing the importance of party unity ahead of the 2028 general elections and for highlighting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s position that he had “no list” and was prepared to work with all party members.
According to Mr. Yeboah Mensah, however, the tone of the meeting changed when Dr. Opoku Prempeh allegedly presented his own preferred list of candidates for the Ashanti Regional elections.
The Constituency Officer said the development surprised him because the meeting had been presented as a “thank-you tour” and because NAPO had previously assured party members that he would not campaign for any candidate.
He argued that presenting a list while criticizing others for doing the same could be perceived as a double standard.
“Presenting a list while criticizing others for doing the same is perceived as double standards,” Mr. Yeboah Mensah said in the letter.
He further stated that the development had left him feeling “disappointed, betrayed, and somewhat marginalized,” particularly because of his previous support for NAPO.
Mr. Yeboah Mensah stressed that his criticism was not intended as a reprimand but as an expression of his personal political position as a party member and voter.
He concluded by declaring that he had withdrawn his support for NAPO and would instead vote for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum Kokofu in the Ashanti Regional NPP contest.
“I am a proud voter, and I will be casting my vote for KOKOFU,” he stated.
The letter reflects growing debate within the NPP’s Ashanti Region over neutrality, candidate endorsements and the need for unity as the party positions itself for the 2028 general elections.
Note: The allegations and characterizations in the letter represent Mr. Yeboah Mensah’s stated views. Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s response was not included in the material provided.
Dear Hon. Mathew Opoku Prempeh , NAPO,
Subject: Ashanti Regional Elections and Your Stance
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my respect for your extensive political experience and the accolades you have achieved over the years. Your credibility and worthiness are beyond question.
Your keen intellect and interest in the NPP Ashanti Regional Elections are truly impressive. As a Constituency Organizer, a committed voter, and someone who values objectivity, I feel compelled to share my thoughts regarding recent developments.
I appreciate the GHS 1,000 you provided at Miklin. However, many have expressed concern that the amount allocated to the Constituency Chairpersons was significantly higher than what was given to the organizers, who you have rightly praised as the “engine of the party.”
To be direct, I commend your initial efforts in emphasizing the importance of unity as we approach the 2028 elections. Some key points from your address included:
- The significance of unity
- Dr. Bawumia’s statement that “he has no list”
- Dr. Bawumia’s readiness to collaborate with all party members
- Your comments regarding certain MPs and radio commentators who support Dr. Kokofu
While you articulated these points effectively and addressed the concerns of many, I was surprised when you presented your own list. This shift prompted me to reevaluate the purpose of your meeting, which you labeled a “thank you tour.”
At that moment, the atmosphere in the room began to shift against COKA. You had previously assured us that you would not campaign for anyone and that, as a potential Vice President under Dr. Bawumia, we should trust your impartiality.
As a result, I felt disappointed, betrayed, and somewhat marginalized in light of my support for you.
Please understand that my intention is not to reprimand you due to your position, but rather to convey that you have lost my vote. Presenting a list while criticizing others for doing the same is perceived as double standards.
I apologize if I have fallen short of your expectations, and I wish my position remain anonymous in this correspondence. I am a proud voter, and I will be casting my vote for KOKOFU.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Frank Yeboah Mensah
Constituency Officer
Ashanti Region
Source: www.kumasimail.com
