Former Ellembelle DCE disqualified from contesting as NPP Western Regional Secretary

The Western Regional Vetting Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has disqualified Kwasi Bonzoh, former District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, from contesting the Regional Secretary position ahead of the party’s August 2026 regional executive elections.

A statement issued after vetting on Monday, July 21, 2026, indicated that Kwasi Bonzoh did not meet the constitutional requirement of “a degree or higher” for the position.

Kwasi Bonzoh, who served as DCE from 2017 to 2025 and has been the Ellembelle Parliamentary Candidate since 2012, is alleged to have presented a deferred Bachelor of Science certificate from the University of Ghana.

The decision has been met with resistance from some Ellembelle Constituency executives.

James Cobbinah, First Vice Chairman of the Ellembelle NPP, alleged that the incumbent Western Regional Secretary, Okatakyie Amankwaa Afrifa, was behind Kwasi Bonzoh’s disqualification because “he wants to run unopposed".

He also warned that excluding Kwasi Bonzoh could divide the party in the region.

"If the party doesn't clear Kwasi Bonzoh to contest, we will not allow the NPP Western Regional Executive elections to be held," he said.

Petra Hudu, Ellembelle Constituency Youth Organiser, also expressed similar concerns.

"Without Kwasi Bonzoh, there would be no election in the Western Region," she said.

Hudu further called on the vetting committee to request academic certificates from all aspirants, alleging that “a lot of people are holding party positions without certificates".

Some supporters at the press briefing were heard chanting, “No Kwasi Bonzoh, no regional elections."

Proponents of Kwasi Bonzoh argued that he enjoys grassroots support, has 14 years' experience as Parliamentary Candidate and 8 years as DCE, and that the incumbent had neglected party structures.

However, some party members in Ellembelle Constituency have expressed disappointment in Kwasi Bonzoh for failing to upgrade himself during his tenure as DCE.

"He had 8 years as DCE and didn’t upgrade himself. We don’t believe the story," one member, who pleaded anonymity, told this reporter.

They argued that meeting the party’s constitutional requirements should be non-negotiable for all aspirants.

Sources close to Kwasi Bonzoh confirmed to this reporter that he has formally petitioned the Western Regional Executives to overturn the Vetting Committee’s decision.

Kwasi Bonzoh is yet to speak publicly on the issue since July 21, 2026.

As it stands, the incumbent Western Regional Secretary, Okatakyie Amankwaa Afrifa, remains the only candidate for the position pending the outcome of the appeal.

The Regional Appeals Committee is expected to meet in the coming days to determine Kwasi Bonzoh’s eligibility before final ballots are printed for the August 8 elections.

The National Executive Committee of the NPP is also monitoring developments in the region.