Internal maneuvering within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over a possible shake-up in its Minority leadership appears to be intensifying, with some party actors reportedly pushing for the removal of Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, over alleged disloyalty to the party’s flagbearer.
The alleged plot, said to be operating under the code name “Afenyo-Markin Must Go,” according to insiders, is being discussed at various levels of the party, including the flagbearer’s office, the National Secretariat, and sections of the parliamentary caucus.
Sources point to claims of a frosty relationship between Mr. Afenyo-Markin and some pro-Bawumia Members of Parliament (MPs), including Frank Annor Dompreh, Habib Iddrisu and Mustapha Ussif, among others.
The reported tensions are said to be affecting coordination within the Minority Caucus, with accusations of unilateral decision-making.
Further fueling the alleged push are concerns about Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s perceived absence from key grassroots initiatives.
Some MPs have cited recent engagements led by figures such as Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Mr. Annor Dompreh and Nana Ayew Afriyie, particularly engagement efforts involving cocoa farmers as examples.
This development, comes at a time when the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is holding private engagements with former presidential primary contenders, including Kennedy Agyapong, in a bid to heal post-primary divisions and strengthen party unity ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Insiders say, many within the party are reluctant to speak publicly on the matter for now, with some suggesting that Mr. Afenyo-Markin may first be allowed to support reconciliation efforts between Dr. Bawumia and Mr. Agyapong before any leadership changes are considered.
Meanwhile, reports by pro-NPP media outlets, including africanewsarena.com, ghananews247.com and mydailynewsonline.com, also point to growing internal discussions over the party’s parliamentary leadership, with claims of a strong push to replace Mr. Afenyo-Markin before the end of 2026.
According to the reports, the discussions are being driven by concerns among some influential party figures who believe Dr. Bawumia would benefit from working with a parliamentary leader more closely aligned with his strategic direction.
The reports further cite alleged mistrust and strained working relationships within the current leadership as factors behind the calls for change.
Some insiders argue that the existing arrangement lacks the cohesion required to effectively execute the party’s long-term electoral strategy.
Concerns about loyalty and internal alliances have also been raised. Mr. Afenyo-Markin is reportedly perceived by some within the party to be closely aligned with former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, whose relationship with sections of the party leadership is said to have become strained following the 2026 presidential primaries.
Additionally, the reports reference claims of a supposed breakaway faction known as “The Base,” believed by some to be linked to Mr. Agyapong.
Critics have questioned the Minority Leader’s silence on the matter, interpreting it as a sign of possible divided loyalties.
Supporters of a leadership reshuffle argue that a more unified and strategically aligned parliamentary front is essential to strengthening the party’s electoral prospects ahead of 2028.
However, political analysts caution that any internal restructuring must be handled carefully to avoid deepening divisions within the party.
Despite the reports, no official statement has been issued by the party leadership or the Minority Leader regarding the alleged plans.
Meanwhile, individuals close to Mr. Afenyo-Markin have dismissed the claims.
Editor of the Custodian newspaper, Awudu Mahama, considered an ally of the Minority Leader responded to the reports, stating: “There’s no tension anywhere. Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin is and will continue to be the Minority Leader.”
