The Office of former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has dissociated itself from a group operating under the name Friends of Osei Adutwum following a statement issued by the group questioning broadcast journalist Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah’s support for another individual as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) preferred running mate.
In an official disclaimer, the Office said it had neither authorised nor mandated the group or any individual to issue statements, attack personalities or engage in public commentary on its behalf regarding the party’s running mate debate.
The disclaimer, issued by Dr Adutwum’s spokesperson, Yaw Opoku Mensah, urged NPP members, sympathisers and the general public to disregard the statement, stressing that the former minister’s political ambition should not be used as a basis to intimidate or silence people with differing political opinions.
The development comes amid growing discussions within the NPP over who should partner the party’s flagbearer in the 2028 general elections.
The Office maintained that the selection of a running mate rests within the constitutional and political prerogative of the party’s flagbearer and should be exercised independently, without intimidation, factional manoeuvring or unnecessary pressure from interest groups.
It further cautioned against attempts by self-appointed groups to dictate the party’s direction or create divisions over the running mate question.
According to the disclaimer, Dr Adutwum’s political journey is anchored on ideas, competence and leadership through service, rather than personal attacks or attempts to manufacture divisions within the party.
The Office said the immediate priority should be to protect party unity, deepen internal democracy and respect divergent opinions as the NPP positions itself for the 2028 elections.
It emphasised that the party was bigger than any individual or interest group and that all members must remain focused on the collective objective of securing victory in 2028.
The disclaimer did not indicate whether the Office intends to take any further action against the group but made its position clear that it should not be associated with the statement or any attacks arising from the running mate debate.
Credit: Yaw Opoku Mensah, Spokesperson for former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.
