A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Arthur Kennedy, has asserted that former President, John Agyekum Kufour failed the party by not resisting the Akyem influence on its leadership.

According to Kennedy, Kufour had the authority to prevent it but chose not to intervene, which is a cause for concern.

Kennedy expressed his belief that Kufour should have utilized his political influence to safeguard the NPP from being controlled by external forces. He emphasized that, in his post-presidential years, Kufour's inaction contributed to various issues within the party, such as the takeover and controversial removal of figures like Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong.

Speaking critically about Kufour, Kennedy remarked, "Talking about Kufour, I’ve always liked him. Very personable, very fine gentleman. But in his post-presidential years, he let the NPP down." Kennedy believes that Kufour's failure to intervene allowed certain factions, referred to as the "Kyebi mafia," to exert control over the party.

Kennedy noted, "The person who could have stopped that was Kufour, who refused to spend his political capital doing that."

He mentioned Kufour's decision as particularly disappointing given Kufour's amiable nature and the potential to prevent many of the issues that unfolded.

However, Kennedy also acknowledged that Kufour's lack of support for Alan may stem from the belief that Bawumia is a more suitable candidate.