According to a report from GhanaWeb. Kwadjo Asante, the Member of Parliament for the Suhum Constituency, has revealed that he was removed from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus WhatsApp group shortly after announcing his intention to contest the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate. This move marks a significant turning point in Asante’s political journey, particularly following the recent declaration of his seat as vacant by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
Asante confirmed that the decision to remove him from the group was made by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Chief Whip of NPP MPs. He stated, “The moment I filed my documents to contest as independent, they took me off the NPP MPs platform.” Despite his initial exclusion, Asante mentioned that he was recently re-added to the group but chose not to inquire about the circumstances surrounding his earlier removal.
The political landscape surrounding Asante has been tumultuous, leading to speculation that he may have reversed his decision to run as an independent candidate. To counter these rumors, he felt it necessary to clarify his position to the party members. “When I saw the publication of me rescinding my decision yesterday, I wrote that it was fake when it appeared on the page. It’s about me, so I needed to clarify things to them,” he explained.
In a firm assertion of his current political status, Asante emphasized his independence from the NPP, stating, “I’m not an NPP MP; I’m Suhum MP.” He reaffirmed his commitment to the constituents he represents, making it clear that his parliamentary role remains unchanged despite the recent challenges. “If I go to Parliament now, my tenure hasn’t ended. To the best of my knowledge, I’m serving Ghanaians,” he declared.
Asante’s declarations highlight the ongoing shifts within the NPP and raise questions about the party’s internal dynamics as it approaches the upcoming elections. His situation reflects broader themes of political loyalty and individual agency in a rapidly changing political environment. As the election season unfolds, the implications of Asante’s independent candidacy and the reactions of party leadership will be closely watched by constituents and political analysts alike.