Ashaiman's Cash Scandal Shakes NPP Presidential Primary

Over the weekend, tensions within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) erupted into open conflict in the Ashaiman Constituency after local delegates accused flagbearer candidate Dr. Bryan Acheampong's campaign coordinators of withholding and purportedly trying to divert funds intended for grassroots supporters.

Following Dr. Acheampong's campaign visit, there was apparently an unstable atmosphere. Several eyewitnesses claim that shortly after the candidate left the area, his local campaign coordinators shut themselves in a classroom, withdrew, and refused to give out money that delegates claimed had been given and designated for them.

The party was greatly embarrassed by the riotous antics that ensued. According to reports, irate delegates threatened to force their way into the room, knocked on doors, and accused the coordinators of creating what some called a "hostage situation" during the cash distribution.

An enraged delegate told reporters on the scene, "This is a disgrace." We now want the money to be taken out. The Bryan campaign team is not coming out to speak to us. Everyone feels irritated and upset since they have no control over the situation.

According to a number of delegates, the coordinators planned to keep some of the money for themselves before releasing the rest, which infuriated the rank and file even more. Others bemoaned how the campaign's reputation in the area had been entirely undermined by the refusal to interact with the delegates.

“Today in Ashaiman, Bryan’s campaign team has destroyed his campaign,” another delegate fumed. "Listen to this sounds.They are unwilling to part with the money that has been given to them.

Dr. Acheampong has been presenting himself as the candidate most likely to defeat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and bring the NPP back to power in 2028, thus the Ashaiman event comes at a particularly delicate moment for him.However, his background as a former Minister of State in the Interior Ministry and later as Minister for Food and Agriculture under the Akufo-Addo administration has led critics to doubt his legitimacy and electoral appeal.

Despite Dr. Acheampong's focus on party unity, discipline, and organization in his campaign messaging, the Ashaiman events have shown significant fissures at the constituency level and cast doubt on the efficacy and integrity of his campaign apparatus.

Beyond the immediate consequences, the episode has rekindled national discussion about the destructive influence of financial inducements on grassroots politics in Ghana and the role of money in internal party battles.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the NPP will have its national presidential primaries. As the race moves into its crucial final round, Dr. Acheampong is running alongside former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, and former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.