Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has officially withdrawn from the New Patriotic Partyโs ongoing โThank Youโ tour, citing security threats to his supporters following a violent incident in Kumasi.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, April 30, Agyapong revealed that his decision stems from an attack involving a group of gun-wielding men during a party event held at the Pentecost Church in Bantama.
A student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), affiliated with Unity Hall and hired by Agyapongโs team, was stabbed during the chaos and is currently receiving emergency treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
โFor unityโs sake, I felt it was important to join Dr. Bawumia on his โThank Youโ tour. But from all indications, itโs very clear Iโm not wanted,โ Agyapong stated. โBecause of yesterdayโs events, myself and my team want to pull out because lives are threatened. I donโt think I can adequately protect my team.โ
Agyapong confirmed that he has formally communicated his withdrawal to both Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the partyโs General Secretary.
โThe reason I am withdrawing is mainly to protect my people,โย he said. โBut we will regroup, and at the appropriate time, we will also do what we have to do to help the party and enhance my chances.โ
Mr. Agyapong also used the opportunity to declare his political intentions: โI want everybody to know, every party member to know that Iโm going to campaign and contest. Nobody can stop me from contesting [for the flagbearer position],โย he declared.
He also cautioned against intra-party manipulation and division, saying, โI have seen that some groups from Dr. Bawumiaโs camp want me to speak, so they twist things. I want to plead with the NPP fraternity to desist from such one-sided politicsโit will not help us.
Source | 3news