Political activist and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Dr Arthur Kennedy, has criticised the party’s decision to refer former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, to its National Disciplinary Committee, insisting that the move is unjustified.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, June 27, Dr Kennedy argued that the comments made by Mr Agyapong regarding the Afari Military Hospital project and alleged corruption within the party do not amount to violations of the NPP’s constitution.
According to him, he found it difficult to understand why the former lawmaker had become the subject of disciplinary proceedings over issues that many party supporters and Ghanaians have openly discussed.
Dr Kennedy maintained that Mr Agyapong merely highlighted concerns surrounding the Akufo-Addo administration’s inability to complete and operationalise the Afari Military Hospital after eight years in office. He noted that the project remained unfinished despite the government’s emphasis on improving healthcare infrastructure through initiatives such as Agenda 111.
He further pointed out that internal review committees established by the NPP after the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election had also identified shortcomings in the government’s performance, suggesting that Mr Agyapong’s criticisms were not entirely new.
The former presidential hopeful also defended Mr Agyapong’s assertion that the party’s current criticism of restrictions surrounding access to the Afari Military Hospital appeared inconsistent, particularly if similar concerns had existed under the previous administration.
Dr Kennedy referenced Mr Agyapong’s claim that attempts to inspect the hospital while serving as Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee were allegedly blocked during the NPP government. He argued that if those claims are factual, they should not be treated as disciplinary offences.
He stressed that political parties should encourage accountability instead of suppressing uncomfortable conversations, adding that investigating allegations is more beneficial than sanctioning those who raise them.
Touching on allegations surrounding the implementation of Agenda 111, Dr Kennedy said claims of corruption and the reported sale of contracts deserve thorough investigation. He argued that individuals implicated in such allegations should be required to respond rather than shifting attention to those making the claims.
He warned that attempts to silence influential voices within the party could undermine efforts to rebuild public confidence following the NPP’s electoral defeat.
Dr Kennedy’s comments come after the NPP’s National Executive Committee and National Council referred Kennedy Agyapong to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee following petitions accusing him of making public statements that undermine party unity and cohesion.
The petitions stem from Mr Agyapong’s criticism of the party’s handling of the Afari Military Hospital project and remarks indicating that he could reveal further details about alleged wrongdoing within the NPP if efforts were made to silence him.
The National Disciplinary Committee has been given two weeks to investigate the petitions and present its recommendations to the party’s leadership.
