Affirmation of Afoko’s suspension will instill discipline in NPP – Dr Amoako Baah

Political Scientist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr Amoako Baah says the decision by the National Council (NC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to uphold the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Paul Afoko, will to a large extent instill discipline in the party.

According to him, ‘rebels’ in the party who have decided to rubbish decisions taken by apex committees of the party will now be guided in their utterances, following the emphatic decision taken by the National Council.

The National Council on Thursday met to consider a petition submitted by the embattled Chairman after the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party suspended him indefinitely about a month ago.

Mr Afoko, who has insisted his suspension was illegal as the NEC flouted the party’s constitution, petitioned the National Council which is the second highest decision-making body aside national congress, to seek redress.

However, the Council unanimously upheld the NEC’s decision leaving Mr Afoko with no option than to proceed to court to seek remedy.

Speaking to Fiifi Banson on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.3 FM, Dr Amoako Baah emphasized the need for discipline in the NPP to boost the party’s electoral fortunes in the 2016 general elections, describing Mr Afoko’s suspension as a necessary evil.

“The party needs discipline to remain focused on winning the next elections. Obviously, Mr Afoko will be very hurt and not happy with the affirmation of his suspension by the National Council, however, I expect him to heal with time. Others such as 2nd Vice Chairman of the party who are all over the place disrespecting decisions by the highest bodies of the party should take a cue from what has happened,” Dr Amoako Baah said.