A contender for the flagbearer position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has strongly criticized the party's leadership for its handling of the ongoing race to select the party's presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.

During an interview with the media, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, accused the party's leadership of displaying bias in their approach to dealing with individuals who are disregarding the party's rules.

He expressed concern that the unfolding events in the campaign for the primaries are indicative of a lack of discipline within the NPP.

He highlighted that while high-ranking officials within the party and the government openly endorse a particular candidate without facing repercussions, those who declare their support for him and other candidates are facing punitive measures.

“There is some sort of force being used – intimidation… those contractors who do not seem to be for this candidate are not paid when they complete their jobs. And they have taken huge sums of money from the banks and the interest rates are 35%, 40%. They are not paid and are being punished for supporting someone else.”

“But if somebody has done a job or a contract with the government, and they are not paid, while are those who declare for that particular candidate are paid,” he said.

Dr. Afriyie Akoto made allegations about contractors who are openly supporting certain candidates in the race being denied payment for their work.

He claimed that these contractors are being subjected to some form of coercion and intimidation, resulting in their non-payment, despite having completed their contracts.

He stated that these contractors have borrowed substantial amounts from banks with high interest rates and are consequently suffering financial hardships due to the lack of payment and the associated interest costs.

The NPP is currently conducting its presidential primaries, with ten individuals vying for the position.

The primaries are scheduled for August and November 2023. A super delegate conference is planned for August 26, 2023, to narrow down the number of contenders to five, while the main primaries are set to take place on November 4, 2023, to select the party's presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections.

The list of candidates includes notable figures such as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, energy expert Kwadwo Poku, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Joe Ghartey, former General Secretary of the NPP Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former MP for Offinso North Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.