Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a leading figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has pulled out of the party’s ongoing “Thank You” tour following a violent incident in Kumasi that left a university student hospitalised with stab wounds.
The incident occurred during a tour stop at the Pentecost Church in Bantama, where a Jama group from Unity Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), had been contracted by Agyapong’s team to perform.
According to eyewitnesses, tensions flared when individuals reportedly linked to the NPP forcibly seized money gifted to the performers by one of Agyapong’s associates.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in gunshots and a stabbing. The injured student is currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
In a statement the following day, Agyapong cited safety concerns as the primary reason for withdrawing his team from the 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 said.
Despite the setback, Agyapong used the moment to reiterate his long-term ambition to lead the NPP. He confirmed he will contest the party’s flagbearership again, following his unsuccessful bid in 2023.
“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 declared.
The incident has reignited concerns within the NPP over internal divisions and the conduct of party events.
With the party focused on post-election reconciliation and preparations for 2028, questions of discipline, security, and unity are likely to dominate internal discussions in the coming weeks.
By: J.W Quarm
