A group of concerned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to refer the Member of Par
A group of concerned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to refer the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, to the National Disciplinary Committee over what they describe as gross misconduct, tribal bigotry, and actions that have soiled the good name of the NPP.
The petition, dated November 4, 2025, invokes Articles 3(5) and 7(1) & (2) of the NPP Constitution, which require all members to promote the good name of the party, protect its unity, and avoid acts that bring the party into disrepute.
Background
The controversy stems from comments Asante Boateng allegedly made during an interview on Adom TV’s “Badwam” morning show and in a separate viral video circulating on social media.
In the said interviews, the MP allegedly referred to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 NPP Presidential Candidate and a leading contender for the 2028 flagbearership race, as “an outsider” and “a slave brought in to serve the party,” adding that he was unfit to lead the NPP.
The remarks have provoked widespread condemnation from within the party, particularly from the Ashanti Regional Caucus and the NPP National Secretariat, both of which issued statements last week disassociating the party from what they described as “tribal and divisive rhetoric.”
The petitioners argue that the MP’s utterances not only insulted Dr. Bawumia’s long-standing contribution to the party but also risked branding the NPP as an ethnocentric organisation—an image they insist contradicts the party’s founding values of inclusivity and national unity.
Petitioners’ Arguments
In their submission, the petitioners maintained that Asante Boateng’s conduct constitutes “gross indiscipline and character assassination” and violates the core tenets of the party’s constitution.
Quoting directly from their petition, they said: “Dr. Bawumia is not a stranger to the NPP. He stood boldly in the witness box during the 2013 Election Petition, delivered numerous economic lectures, survived life-threatening accidents, and campaigned tirelessly for the party. If such a person can still be called a stranger, then what should become of those of us who joined later?”
The petition further alleges that Asante Boateng’s remarks form part of a pattern of unchecked tribal undertones previously echoed by other party figures, such as Stephen Amoah (MP for Nhyiaeso) and former Minister Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh.
They expressed concern that the party’s failure to enforce disciplinary measures in past incidents had emboldened others, culminating in what they called “the most reprehensible episode yet.”
Violations Of Party Constitution
The petition cites several provisions of the NPP Constitution said to have been breached:
Article 3(5)(1) & (2): Failure to promote and defend the good name of the party and protect its unity.
Article 7(1)(e), (f), and (g): Engaging in misconduct, failing to publicly uphold party policies, and bringing the party into public ridicule.
The petitioners requested that the NEC:
1. Refer Hon. Asante Boateng to the National Disciplinary Committee for investigation.
2. Suspend him immediately pending the outcome of the probe.
3. Apply appropriate sanctions to deter similar conduct by other members.
4. Direct him to issue a formal apology to Dr. Bawumia and the party at large.
They concluded by stating, “We have a party to rebuild for victory and a nation to save in 2028.”
Asante Boateng’s Response
In a sharp rebuttal, Kwaku Asante Boateng has categorically denied describing Dr. Bawumia as a “slave” or making any ethnically charged remarks.
In a statement released on November 2, 2025, the MP described the accusations as “a calculated and shameful attempt to twist and misrepresent my comments.”
He clarified that his comments on Adom TV were taken out of context and that his reference to Dr. Bawumia’s early entry into NPP politics was based purely on political chronology, not ethnicity or religion.
“At no point did I use, imply, or endorse such language. My comments were contextual and focused solely on the circumstances surrounding his nomination, not his person or background,” he stated.
He added that his analogy was rooted in Asante chieftaincy traditions to explain that leadership in the NPP is earned through “long-standing commitment, sacrifice, and service”, not automatically bestowed based on position or experience.
Asante Boateng also cited several respected Northern politicians within the NPP, including Ambrose Dery, Hajia Alima Mahama, and M.N.D. Jawula, whom he said had earned admiration through loyalty and sacrifice.
He accused critics such as journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni of misrepresenting his statements, and expressed disappointment that the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, issued a statement “based on distortions.”
“I will not allow my name or my record to be weaponized to divide the NPP along ethnic or religious lines,” he concluded.
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