Former Western North Regional Minister Joojo Rocky Obeng has lauded New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong as the only candidate openly advocating for unity in the party.

Mr Rocky Obeng stated on the Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, warned that the party risks losing or struggling to maintain power in the 2028 elections if it does not remain united.

“He is currently on his unity tour ahead of the primaries. His message and actions clearly demonstrate that he is the only one who has boldly called for unity within the party. He believes that the only way we can win the 2028 elections is through unity. If we are not unified, even if we win the elections, we cannot hold on to our victory. Unity matters to him, and to practice what he preaches, he is currently on this tour,” he stated.

“He started in Western North, visiting constituency by constituency and meeting with all the stakeholders involved. He is working to bring peace and unity to the party. Every delegate will tell you that their takeaway from every conversation with Ken Agyapong is the importance of unity,” he added.

His comment comes at a time when he claims Mr Agyapong is embarking on a Unity Tour ahead of the primaries.

He said the tour began in the Western North Region, and he is moving constituency by constituency as well as engaging with stakeholders.

A former presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has officially withdrawn from the party’s ongoing “Thank You” tour.

Mr Agyapong’s decision comes on the heels of a stabbing incident that occurred during a gathering at the Pentecost Church in Bantama, where a student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) sustained serious injuries.

The student, a member of Unity Hall’s Jama group, had been contracted by Agyapong’s campaign team to perform at the event.

According to individuals close to the politician, tensions erupted when a wealthy supporter of Agyapong offered money to the Jama performers.

Shortly after the gesture, a group of armed men—allegedly affiliated with the NPP—stormed the venue and forcibly retrieved the cash. The confrontation escalated, resulting in gunshots and the eventual stabbing of one Jama group member.

The injured student was promptly rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Agyapong’s team has since filed a formal complaint with the Kumasi Central Police Command.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Agyapong expressed deep concern about the safety of his team and supporters, confirming his decision to pull out of the national tour.

“Because of what happened yesterday, my team and I want to pull out because lives are threatened. I don’t think I can protect my team enough. So we want out so that Dr Bawumia can do his campaign,” he declared.

Meanwhile, tensions within the party’s leadership flared earlier in Berekum during a stop on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s tour. A sharp exchange between Kennedy Agyapong and Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe (popularly known as Abronye), highlighted internal divisions over the party’s post-election direction.

Abronye, in his address, stressed the need for stricter discipline and criticized members whose public statements, he claimed, had damaged the NPP’s image ahead of the elections. Citing a review by former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, he blamed internal dissent for empowering the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He firmly opposed Agyapong’s call for reconciliation with estranged or suspended members, warning that such a move would only “encourage more indiscipline and weaken party structures.”

In a passionate response, Agyapong defended his stance, advocating for unity and inclusion rather than harsh enforcement of party rules.

“Even poor people want to speak their mind—how much more those of us who have sacrificed for this party?” he remarked, a statement that drew a mixed reaction from the audience. His comment was widely interpreted as a subtle jab at Abronye.

He also criticized the Bono Regional leadership for neglecting the grassroots, which he argued contributed to the party’s disappointing performance in the recent polls.

The series of confrontations and security incidents have added layers of controversy to what was meant to be a unifying effort to thank supporters and reposition the party ahead of future contests.

Meanwhile, former Chief of Staff Kwadwo Mpiani has called on the New Patriotic Party to suspend its ongoing “Thank You Tour” and rather focus on rebuilding the party following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

He announced his intention to join the race for the party’s flagbearer position in April if nominations opened ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking publicly after withdrawing from the NPP’s nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’, Agyapong declared his unwavering commitment to the party and his readiness to contest, undeterred by what he describes as ongoing threats and intimidation.

“I am taking this opportunity to inform all that I am going to contest; nobody can stop me from doing that. They should be ready. We were part of those who built the party and sacrificed for it,” he affirmed.

The Assin Central Member of Parliament made the comments following a violent incident in Kumasi, where a young supporter reportedly suffered a stabbing attack. According to reports, the incident stemmed from the supporter’s refusal to hand over a cash gift allegedly given to him by a friend of Kennedy Agyapong.

Though Agyapong has chosen not to respond directly to accusations or previous incidents of assault, he expressed a strong resolve to seek justice for the injured student.

“In my normal style, I would have retaliated easily because we know the guy,” he noted, referring to the individual believed to have led the assault.

The case has already been reported to the police, with spent bullet shells found at the scene serving as evidence of firearms being discharged by some heavily built men.

Citing safety concerns, Agyapong explained his decision to pull out of the party’s thank-you engagements, stating that the security of his team could no longer be guaranteed.

“My team and I will have to pull out after what happened yesterday. Lives are threatened; I don't think I can protect my team enough,” he stated.

He further expressed frustration over what he sees as deliberate attempts to marginalize his presence at party events, alleging that attendees linked to his camp have received threats and that false reports are frequently circulated to damage his reputation.

“From Berekum to Kumasi, all that has happened tells me that we are not needed. Let them do their own thing,” he remarked.

“We will also regroup ourselves, in the appropriate time we will do whatever we have to do for the party, and anything that will improve our chances,” he added.

While acknowledging Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the party's elected flagbearer, Agyapong insisted that the spirit of unity intended by including him in the ongoing tour has been undermined by recent developments.

“I admit Dr Bawumia was the flagbearer, so if he is going round and for the sake of unity, he invites us and it turns out to be something different, I have to stay away, so they do.”