On Thursday, all four aspirants signed a binding commitment that prevents any of them from resigning from the party should they lose the flagbearer election.

The decision stems from the precedent set by Alan Kyerematen, who resigned from the party and established a new movement after coming in third in the super delegates elections of the NPP.

Speaking to Joy News, Dr Akoto said the decision to contribute to uniting the party springs from obvious fractions within the party which he says might hinder the party from achieving its vision of ‘breaking the eight’ if nothing is done to resolve the issues.

“Everybody in the party accepts that there is something wrong with the party. From the chairman of the council of elders who we met a few days ago, everybody accepts that we are not in a good place. And that issue is something that I am going to help the new leader to achieve to bring discipline into this party so that we can extend our mandate from the people of Ghana, come December 7, 2024,” he said.

He stressed that it did not matter who was the leader but he will “make his contribution to ensure that things are straightened up in our party.”

Dr Akoto concession came ahead of official declaration of results.

Afriyie Akoto told Joy News’ Elton John Brobbey that he has already called the Vice President to congratulate him. He also assured him of his support to enable the NPP ‘Break the 8’.

“First of all, let me congratulate the Vice President for such an emphatic victory. It means the New Patriotic Party has spoken with a huge voice that we have chosen Dr Bawumia to lead us into the elections next year.”

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Mr Kyerematen resigned from the NPP on September 25 to contest the 2024 elections as an independent presidential candidate.

He accused the NPP of skewing the processes in favour of one candidate and intimidating his supporters during the super delegates conference of the party on August 26, 2023.

Commenting on the development on Starr Chat, the former Agriculture Minister said politics is about numbers, and every member of the party counts.

“We are in politics and politics is about numbers. It doesn’t matter the stature of the person. It’s just unfortunate” the former Agric Minister bemoaned.

However, Dr. Akoto is optimistic that, the NPP will win the 2024 general elections.

“We need every soul to break the eight next year. I am confident that we will break the 8” he added.

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Backing his assertion, Dr Akoto highlighted his vision to diversify Ghana’s agricultural sector through comprehensive policies and programs.

He emphasised that, this approach is pivotal in revitalizing the country’s economy and alleviating the enduring hardships faced by Ghanaians.

Speaking to journalists at his campaign headquarters on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, after securing the third position on the ballot, Dr Akoto said he is the beacon of hope for Ghana.

He has urged NPP delegates to resist intimidation and external influences and vote massively for him.

“I am more motivated than ever to carry the NPP’s flag and ultimately secure power for the party. Among all the candidates vying for the NPP flagbearer role, who presents a vision more compelling than mine? My aspirations for the NPP and for Ghana instill hope, and that’s why hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians are urging me to press on and fight until I bring power to them. I can’t let them down,” he affirmed.

He added, “I am Ghana’s hope. I have already outlined the broader strokes of my vision. As the campaign advances, numerous Ghanaians have assured me of their support, and I’m not retreating.”

Dr Akoto, a former two-term Member of Parliament for Kwadaso in the Ashanti region, placed fourth in the NPP Special Delegates Conference on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

In the run-up to the NPP’s November 4 primary, Dr. Akoto is poised to intensify his campaign efforts while recalibrating his strategies.

Over 200,000 party delegates are expected to vote in this highly anticipated presidential election.

The Akoto campaign team is working to secure more than half of the votes, a crucial milestone in determining who leads NPP in the 2024 general elections.

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The team has described the report as shocking, surprising, and spiteful, adding that it did not come from their camp.

“We urge the general public, especially the NPP fraternity, to disregard the statement and treat it with the contempt that it deserves.

“Such an act has the tendency to cause disaffection and enmity between Hon. Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Hon. Alan Kyerematen and their followers,” portions of the statement issued by the National Coordinator, Peter Oteng Darko, read.

Meanwhile, the camp has cautioned the perpetrators of this diabolic agenda to refrain from their dastardly acts, stressing acts like this, have no place in the NPP.

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Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Mensah-Bonsu stated that the documents Information Minister-designate, Mr Oppong Nkrumah submitted were to prove he did not perjure himself during his vetting.

He stated that the Committee would go through the documents and make a decision on his appointment.

Agric Minister-designate, Dr Akoto, he said, also submitted documents to prove that the cancellation of the horticulture agreement that led to his rejection was only for the country’s benefit.

“If the documents submitted to me are relevant documents then I get the impression that he rather, sought to right what is wrong, to really have the way smoothened, for our farmers and exporters.

“So, unless there is something contrary that I don’t know. On account of the documents he submitted I think rather he should be commended and not be bastardised,” Mr Kyei-Mensah added.

This comes after Information Minister-designate Mr Oppong Nkrumah; Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson and Minister-designate for Food Agriculture, Dr Akoto were rejected by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs on the committee for various reasons.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah, who appeared before the Committee on the February 18, was rejected on the basis of being untruthful and evasive.

According to the NDC MPs, the Ofoase Ayeribi MP has an 83% share in a company called Oval MicroFinance. This finance company is believed to be involved in some suspicious third-party lending.

Again, they say he has dealings with MX24 GH, a content creation, digital agency and media production house located at East Legon, which he said he didn’t have anything to do with during his vetting.

Dr Afriyie was voted against over his involvement in the cancellation of a Horticulture contract, which the Minority says may lead to a $50 million judgment debt.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader says the Minority cannot block the approval of Hawa Koomson who was turned down mainly for the gun-shooting incident that occurred during the registration of voters in her constituency.

He stated that Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister-designate has not been indicted by the police, adding that investigations are still ongoing.

“What can you hold against her? Is she responsible for the investigation? She is not so you ask the investigating authority,” he said.

He told JoyNews’ Parker Wilson that he is confident all the nominees appointed will be passed.