Akua Afriyie Renders Apology After Defying NPP Directive in Ablekuma North Rerun

Nana Akua Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, has issued an unqualified apology to the party’s leadership after contesting the recent election rerun in defiance of party instructions.

Her decision to ignore a directive from the NPP’s top hierarchy not to contest the rerun became a subject of discussion at the party’s emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Alisa Hotel. Following the meeting, she reportedly expressed remorse for her actions.

While she refused to confirm whether she regretted her decision to flout the directive, Akua Afriyie noted that the apology was necessary in light of the party's concerns.

The Chairman of the NPP’s Planning Committee and former Bekwai MP, Joseph Osei-Owusu, confirmed that the apology was accepted.
“The apology was taken in good faith. It was just to ensure that we respect the structures of the party in the future,” he stated.

However, he acknowledged that her action confused both within the party and in the eyes of the public.
“Her decision did not reflect well on the party and undermined our internal cohesion,” Osei-Owusu added.

The fallout from the controversy appears to have had political consequences. In the highly competitive rerun, Akua Afriyie lost the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat to the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn.

Aubynn secured 34,090 votes to Akua Afriyie’s 33,881 votes—a narrow margin that many observers say may have been influenced by internal divisions within the NPP.

Akua Afriyie, a former Member of Parliament, had sought a political comeback, but her decision to go against the party’s official position may have weakened her campaign and impacted the party’s image in the constituency.

The NPP’s leadership has since reiterated the importance of unity, discipline, and respect for party structures, especially as the 2024 general elections approach.