Renowned surgeon and former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has delivered a sharp critique of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), claiming that the party has lost its core identity and is now “fake” compared to the values it once upheld.
In an interview on Channel One TV on January 12, observed by Ghana View Prof Frimpong-Boateng described the current state of the NPP as fundamentally different from the organization he once knew. He said the present party no longer reflects its founding principles and values.
“The present NPP is not NPP. It is fake. From what I see now, this is not the NPP I used to know,” he stated.
Distancing Himself from Current Party Structure
When asked whether he still considers himself a member of the party, Prof Frimpong-Boateng distanced himself from what he called the party’s current structure. He suggested that the “real” party exists only in principle, with genuine members relegated to the background.
He pointed to internal party processes, especially the selection of the most recent flagbearer, alleging that the exercise was influenced by bribery, coercion, and intimidation of delegates behavior he described as the “beginning of corruption.”
Linking Party Weaknesses to Electoral Defeat
Prof Frimpong-Boateng also linked the perceived decline in party ethics and internal democracy to the NPP’s heavy loss in the last general elections. He warned that unless the party confronts its internal problems, it risks continued decline.
While stressing that his criticism was not a personal attack, he stated that being “nice” alone is insufficient leadership for Ghana’s future.
Growing Internal Tensions
The debate has sparked reactions within political circles and among party members. Some high-profile voices have publicly supported parts of Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s critique.
Meanwhile, the NPP has initiated formal procedures to expel Prof Frimpong-Boateng from the party in response to his comments, saying his remarks are damaging to the party’s unity and values.
Party officials assert that the 2023 presidential primary criticized by Prof Frimpong-Boateng was conducted fairly and transparently, rejecting his claims of manipulation.
