If you feel more powerful than Akufo-Addo leave NPP - Appiah Menka

An Elder of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding respect for the party elders and 2016 presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo who has called for a ceasefire as the party gets embroiled in internal wranglings played out in the media.

Mr. Appiah Menka wants party figures who are finding it difficult to submit to the authority of Nana Akufo-Addo to leave the party for good.

“Any office holder who feels he is more powerful than Akufo-Addo should leave the party…” he told Accra-based radio station Peace FM Tuesday.

The opposition party has become prone to internal party wars as a power struggle within the National Executive Committee intensify.

The latest round of accusations and counter-accusations began after Kwabena Agyepong and Chairman, Paul Afoko, accused some leaders of financial impropriety. Mr. Agyepong later accused the presidential candidate of sidelining him and Mr Afoko.

The First National Vice Chairman is also engaged in a battle with Kwabena Agyepong and Paul Afoko over control of party cash.

These have served to distract the party’s focus on a grassroot whipping campaign dubbed “Rise and Build” Tour. Although the tour currently in the Eastern region is led by the Presidential candidate it is struggling to capture the projected media attention.

Nana Addo has subsequently directed that party faithful refrain from discussing NPP matters in the media. He fears a continued media focus on internal matters could hurt the party’s chances in 2016 general elections.

Appiah Menka speaking in an interview on Tuesday’s edition of ‘Kokrokoo’ on PEACE FM, is backing the flagbearer’s call for a ceasefire.

“Those who think they have the powers should know that there is a limit to their powers. Nana Addo has spoken and so it will be a joke if anyone does not agree with him".

"Per the constitution, after a flagbearer is elected, the party is under his control whether you are a Chairman or General Secretary,” he explained.

Appiah Menka also added that “those who really don’t know the history of the party tend to make mistakes…I am happy these issues are happening now and not in 2016. Hopefully by the time we get to 2016 they would have been resolved."