NPP constituency election: Initial annulment was unnecessary, but party decision must stand – Bantama MP

At the Bantema constituency executive election re-run, tension was palpable at the Kumasi Culture Centre following the alleged snubbing of the area's Member of Parliament, Francis Asenso-Boakye, by the incumbent NPP Chairman, Fiifi Mensah. A video captured by Joy News and shared on social media showed Mr. Mensah moving through voting centers, shaking hands with delegates but bypassing Mr. Asenso-Boakye, who was seated, and continuing to greet other delegates without acknowledging the MP.

This incident happened shortly before the re-run of the constituency executive election was set to commence. Eyewitnesses reported that Mensah's action drew murmurs from delegates, with some calling it "unfortunate" given the importance of unity within the party leading up to future elections. Both Mensah and Asenso-Boakye were present at the event, which is being overseen by the Electoral Commission and representatives from the regional and national executives.

As of now, neither the Chairman nor the MP has made a public statement about the incident. Rumors suggest that Kingsley Atta, the current Bantema Constituency Vice Chairman, is being backed by the MP in an attempt to remove the incumbent Chairman. Party members suspect that this internal dispute may have played a role in Mensah's decision to ignore Asenso-Boakye during the greetings.