Former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa–Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, has stirred debate within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following comments widely interpreted by party members as challenging the principle of internal democratic elections in the constituency.

Speaking during an interview on Mining City Radio, a Tarkwa-based station, the former legislator cautioned party members against what he described as growing calls for elections to choose constituency executives, arguing that the party could legitimately adopt a selection process instead.

His remarks come at a time when the NPP is undertaking a nationwide membership registration exercise aimed at reorganising and strengthening its grassroots structures following the last general elections.

In recent weeks, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has outlined the official framework for the exercise, explaining that the registration process would be followed by internal elections to fill various party positions across the country as part of the broader reorganisation agenda.

However, Mireku Duker’s comments appear to diverge from these nationally communicated directives.

During the radio interview, where he appeared alongside the Tarkwa–Nsuaem Constituency Chairman, Benjamin Assabill, the former MP indicated that local party leadership retains the discretion to determine who qualifies to contest positions within the constituency.

He suggested that the constituency could also decide whether to conduct open elections or adopt a consensus-based selection process.

Citing precedents within the party, Mireku Duker stated that similar approaches had been used in other constituencies.

“The party in Akwatia selected a parliamentary candidate, and in Ayawaso East a candidate was also selected. Therefore, members should not be misled by calls insisting that elections must always be organised,” he said.

He further warned that individuals whose actions are perceived as disruptive or capable of creating confusion within the party structure could be prevented from contesting internal positions.

“If we consider your actions as creating confusion within the party, we will determine who becomes the parliamentary candidate. It is not compulsory to organise elections,” he added.

The remarks have reportedly generated strong reactions among sections of party members in the Tarkwa–Nsuaem Constituency, with some arguing that the comments undermine the democratic traditions that underpin the party’s internal governance.

Critics also note that the constituency has not conducted widely accepted internal elections for several years—a situation that has contributed to lingering tensions among grassroots members.

Some party faithful fear that attempts to replace elections with a selection process could further deepen divisions within the constituency and erode confidence in the ongoing reorganisation exercise.

Political observers say the development could raise broader concerns about adherence to national party guidelines, particularly at a time when the leadership is seeking to rebuild internal cohesion and strengthen the party’s democratic structures ahead of future electoral contests.

Party members within Tarkwa–Nsuaem are therefore calling on the national leadership of the New Patriotic Party to clarify the party’s official position and ensure that the established procedures governing internal elections are respected, in order to safeguard unity, transparency, and institutional credibility.

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