The former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and ex-MP for Bekwai Constituency, Joe Osei-Owusu, has refuted claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) sidelined former President John Agyekum Kufuor in the lead-up to its National Delegates Conference.
Mr. Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, who also chairs the Conference Planning Committee, addressed the issue in an interview with JoyNews on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
His comments come in response to concerns raised by the 86-year-old former President, who expressed disappointment at being excluded from key party activities, saying his age should not warrant marginalisation.
He said every issue requiring the former President’s input was communicated to his designated officers.
He further explained that President Kufuor’s request for a postponement of the conference could not be granted because preparations were already far advanced.
“The suggestion that he was ignored is inaccurate. The party respects President Kufuor immensely, but the conference arrangements were far too progressed when his request came in,” he stated.
The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is currently underway at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
