The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has refuted claims that outspoken NPP Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been critical of the government are intentionally being singled out for removal in the forthcoming parliamentary primaries.

The claims were made by Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, an opposition MP representing Odododiodoo.

Vanderpuye specifically cited Eugene Boakye Antwi of Subin and Andy Appiah-Kubi of Asante-Akim North, both of whom had been vocal in advocating for the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, as examples of MPs allegedly facing targeted elimination.

During an appearance on the Key Points program on TV3, Vanderpuye stated, "These individuals are being targeted by the establishment," while discussing the decisions of some lawmakers, including Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, not to seek reelection.

In response, Ahiagbah refuted the claim on the same show, stating, "The idea that some MPs are being targeted is not true. The space is competitive, so if you are afraid of some contest you can’t make that claim."

NPP closed nominations on December 25 for parliamentary aspirants in constituencies with incumbent MPs.

The parliamentary election is scheduled for January 27, 2024, marking the next phase of the party's efforts to have representatives in all 275 constituencies. This follows the successful primaries held in orphan constituencies on December 2.

As of the close of nominations on Christmas day, some seasoned party members opted not to submit forms, signaling a voluntary end to their parliamentary careers.

One notable figure on this list is Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who has represented the Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region since 1997.

Leader in Parliament

Joseph Osei-Owusu (Bekwai Constituency- Ashanti Region). Has been in Parliament since 2009

Samuel Atta Akyea (Abuakwa South Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2009.

Akyea

Joe Ghartey (Essikado Ketan Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2005.

Kennedy Agyapong (Assin Central Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2001.

Agyapong

Daniel Botwe (Okere Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2009.

Botwe

Kwasi Amoako-Atta (Atiwa West Constituency). He has been in Parliemnt since 2009.

Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (Sefwi Wiaso Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2017.

Emmanuel Marfo (Oforikrom Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2017.

Benito Owusu-Bio (Atwima Nwabiagya Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2005.

Carlos Ahenkora (Tema West Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2017.

Nana Kwasi Adjei Boateng (New Juabeng North Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2013.

William Owuraku Aidoo (Afigya Kwabre South Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2013.

Johnson Adu (Ahafo Ano South West Constituency). He has been in Parliament since 2013.