NPP in Turmoil Over Akyem Boys

The presidential ambitions of the NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo has been further jolted by the deep cracks emerging in the party over the conduct of his ‘Akyem’ boys. True Democrat intelligence can report simmerings which are virtually spilling into the open following hints that key cabinet posts have been shared among the ‘Akyem mafia’ even before the first vote is cast. The open boasts and disregard for other party stalwarts has caused a stir resulting in apathy and aloofness on the part of a sizeable chunk of the leading lights in the party.

True Democrat intelligence sources in the Akufo-Addo campaign team have dropped hints of disquiet and apprehension at the behaviour of the ‘Akyem’ boys. For example, Gabby Otchere Darko, has been cited as masquerading as the Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs. He had personally confided in people that this portfolio is non-negotiable. The impudence, the arrogance and the show of political power has ruffled feathers in the NPP with some notable faces quietly abandoning the campaign.

Clearly, Gabby is not the only one to have started touting his ministerial allocation. The other ‘Akyem’ boys, whose lobby and jockeying for juicy positions in an Akufo-Addo-led government in the event of his victory at the elections are Messrs Ken Ofori Atta, Atta Akyea and Paul Adom Otchere as well as Nana Bediatuo Asante. Ken Ofori Atta has been reported by NPP insiders for already dusting his shoes as the self-installed Chief Economic Adviser in-waiting. Ken and his ‘Akyem’ boys were said to have drawn the anger of Akufo-Addo lately over their insistence that he select Dr. Bawumia as his running-mate. With the Bawumia ticket unable to generate the necessary heat among the electorate, the NPP flag bearer out of frustration poured his heart out lately revealing his own preference for Hajia Alima Mahama. For the benefit of readers, Bawumia is a known business acolyte of Ken Ofori Atta of Databank.

What is deepening the confusion in the camp of the NPP is the the open struggle and lobbying by other ‘Akyem’ loyalists such as Nana Bediatuo Asante and Atta Akyea. They have been reported to have been slugging it out for the Attorney General portfolio. Another chap, whose scheming tactics is drawing the ire of the hard core NPP stalwarts, is Mr. Paul Adom Otchere. This over-ambitious political opportunist was reported to have directed some documentaries on the NPP through that party’s largesse both in Ghana and partnership with some NPP apologists in the United Kingdom, is feverishly touching base with all the ‘Akem’ heavyweights to be placated with the presidential spokesperson role. However, there are those who in the NPP seething with anger at his quick u-turn because of ‘Akyem’ politics. He once contested for the University of Ghana SRC presidency and lost badly on account of trying to cut it both ways.

As revealed by the sources, the situation is so chaotic that some of the men and women working closely with the Akufo-Addo campaign have been heard complaining about the behaviour of the ‘Akyem boys. They complained of the arrogant attitude of ‘it is our turn’ rhetoric and warned of the dangers of posed to the Akufo-Addo campaign by the Akyem’ boys. Quite a good number is of the belief that they are hurting the chances of their family man. As if this was not enough, the centre of gravity of the NPP political machine is fast crumbling with the latest reports of Amfo Kwakye, angling very hard to be appointed the Chief of Staff if their kith and kin should win the presidency.

The subterranean protests are now spilling into the open with some of the die-hards readyinmg themselves to cause massive eruptions if the ‘Akem’ boys are not contained by Akufo-Addo. It is from this depth that the fortunes of the NPP is dwindling by the day and hour as the campaign negotiates its last curve into the home stretch.. So far, notable people in the NPP that our intelligence contacted have expressed pessimism about their chances. According to them, the ‘Akyem’ boys have destroyed the chances of the party with their arrogance and unguarded utterances coupled with the open disdain for others and the scramble to for portfolios even when the chances of the NPP in December 7 election looks very gloomy indeed.

Meanwhile, the True Democrat sources have hinted of the aloofness of certain key persons in the campaign team. Mr. Alan Kyeremanten has been mentioned as one who has suddenly developed cold feet. His aloofness has been interpreted as being the result of utterances and impudence being shown by the ‘Akyem’ boys to all those they suspected of not wholly committed to Akufo-Addo’s bid. There are still under-currents as the ‘Akyem’ boys think there are those in the NPP who wish for the failure of their man so that they can have their turn in 2012. The suspicion and mistrust has been stretched to ridiculous levels as the ‘Akyem’ boys are said to meet in conclave without some of the noted stalwarts. But, the move is clearly damaging the campaign of Akufo-Addo.

Indications are that the NPP is heading for turmoil. The True Democrat intelligence confirmed the cracks last night as they picked fresh signals which pointed to serious disagreements among the top echelon of the NPP. While some leading members have cautioned the hierarchy not to do anything to rock the boat, what is emerging is unwholesome as some vocal members have been threatening to expose the ‘Akyem’ boys and their conspiracy to hijack the party if they won political power. Judging from the intense anger, which is gradually but steadily building up, the chances of some of these men going out of their way to slam the ‘Akyem’ boys appears very feasible and if they did, it could be the beginning of the end.