Inside Sefwi Wiaso NPP: Power-play or power display?

Inside the Sefwi Wiaso branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), some observers feel a power-play is underway, rather than a genuine power display. Sefwi Wiaso is a long-standing stronghold for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), having won seven out of nine parliamentary elections to date. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, a prominent NPP figure, only managed to secure the seat for the first time in 2016 after four attempts.

Going into the 2020 parliamentary elections, it was widely anticipated that the NDC would reclaim the seat. To maintain their presence in Sefwi Wiaso during the 2024 elections, the NPP needed a strategic plan. However, the primary contest that followed showed little real competition, as Festus Bumakama Agyapong emerged as the overwhelming winner, garnering 592 votes compared to 282 for the remaining four candidates.

The question arises: could internal divisions have been avoided if the party opted for a more diplomatic consensus, given that Bumakama was the strongest contender? Although some candidates, including Kofi Benteh, may not have been as appealing, the reality is that internal elections often exacerbate divisions and fuel conspiracies, ultimately harming the party's prospects.

Historically, internal elections have not defined democracy in Ghana, but rather, they have contributed to party divisions and increased voter dissatisfaction. With Sefwi Wiaso being an NDC stronghold, it was politically unwise for the NPP to hold a contest with such little time to address any potential rifts. Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, several NPP candidates have declared their intention to compete again, with two new faces joining the fray - Dr. Kwame Afriyie, son of Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, and Obasanjo, the current constituency chairman.

This heightened competition could potentially fracture the party further and make it nearly impossible for Bumakama to secure the seat in the general elections. While it is uncertain whether this contest is intended to weaken Bumakama, the overarching goal appears to be creating divisions to make his victory highly improbable in the 2028 general elections.

Ultimately, the NPP must weigh the potential benefits of internal consensus-building against the risks of a contentious contest, considering the significant net loss the party experienced in the 2020 elections (-2.55%, from 45.1% to 42.55%). The question remains: can the NPP overcome its internal strife and emerge victorious in Sefwi Wiaso during the 2028 general elections?