Arthur Kennedy Blasts NPP for “Baseless” Disciplinary Action Against Agyapong

Political activist and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Dr Arthur Kennedy, has criticised the party’s decision to refer former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, to its National Disciplinary Committee, describing the move as unwarranted and inconsistent with the party’s own principles.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, June 27, Dr Kennedy argued that Mr Agyapong’s comments on the stalled Afari Military Hospital project and allegations of corruption within the party do not constitute a breach of the NPP constitution. He said he struggled to understand why the former lawmaker had become the target of disciplinary proceedings over issues widely discussed by party supporters and ordinary Ghanaians.

Dr Kennedy maintained that Mr Agyapong merely echoed concerns about the Akufo‑Addo administration’s failure to complete and operationalise the Afari Military Hospital after eight years in office, despite the government’s emphasis on improving healthcare infrastructure through Agenda 111. He noted that internal review committees set up after the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election had also highlighted governance shortcomings, making Mr Agyapong’s criticisms far from novel.

He further defended Mr Agyapong’s claim that the party’s current outrage over restricted access to the Afari Military Hospital appeared inconsistent, especially if similar concerns existed under the previous administration. Dr Kennedy referenced Mr Agyapong’s assertion that attempts to inspect the facility while he chaired Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee were allegedly blocked during the NPP government. If true, he argued, such claims should be investigated—not treated as disciplinary offences.

According to Dr Kennedy, political parties must foster accountability rather than suppress uncomfortable conversations. He stressed that probing allegations is more productive than punishing those who raise them.

Addressing claims of corruption linked to Agenda 111, Dr Kennedy said allegations of contract sales and procurement irregularities deserve thorough investigation. Individuals implicated, he insisted, should be compelled to respond, rather than shifting attention to the whistleblowers.

He warned that attempts to silence influential voices within the party could undermine efforts to rebuild public trust following the NPP’s electoral defeat.

Dr Kennedy’s remarks follow the decision by the NPP’s National Executive Committee and National Council to refer Kennedy Agyapong to the National Disciplinary Committee after petitions accused him of making public statements that undermine party unity and cohesion. The petitions stem from Mr Agyapong’s criticism of the Afari Military Hospital project and his suggestion that he could reveal further details of alleged wrongdoing within the party if efforts were made to silence him.

The National Disciplinary Committee has two weeks to investigate the petitions and submit its recommendations to the party leadership.

— Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah