Nelson Tawiah Slams Ampratwum Sarpong over Premature 2028 Campaign Declaration

In a strongly worded press statement, former TESCON President Nelson Tawiah has criticized the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mampong Constituency, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, for what he describes as a “self-serving” declaration of intent to contest the 2028 Parliamentary Primaries. Tawiah argues that the MP’s actions are detrimental to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ongoing recovery process following its defeat in the 2024 elections.

A Party in Recovery

Tawiah expressed profound disappointment and disbelief at Hon. Ampratwum Sarpong’s early campaign announcement, noting that it prioritizes personal ambition over the collective need for unity and reflection within the party. According to him, with the NPP still nursing wounds from the recent electoral loss, now is the time for healing and strategic planning—not individual political maneuvering.

“At 67 years of age and after serving three terms in Parliament, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong demonstrates that personal ambition supersedes party welfare,” Tawiah stated.

Declining Electoral Performance

Highlighting the MP’s electoral record, Tawiah pointed out that the Mampong Constituency has seen a steady decline in NPP’s electoral performance under his leadership. He accused Ampratwum Sarpong of being “oblivious” to the party’s eroding support base, arguing that the MP’s continued candidacy does not serve the best interests of the party or its constituents.

Missed Opportunities

Tawiah also criticized Hon. Ampratwum Sarpong’s tenure as a Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, questioning the tangible benefits his appointment brought to the constituency and the party at large. He suggested that the MP had squandered valuable opportunities to strengthen party support, contributing to the NPP’s poor performance in the 2024 elections.

A Call for Party Discipline

In response to Ampratwum Sarpong’s premature campaign announcement, Tawiah called on the NPP leadership to take decisive action by implementing the following measures:

1. Establish clear guidelines to prevent premature campaigning that could hinder the party’s recovery efforts.
2. Institute performance reviews for sitting MPs before they are allowed to seek additional terms.
3. Prioritize candidates who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to party interests over personal ambition.

Tawiah emphasized that the path to reclaiming the trust of Ghanaians in 2028 demands selflessness, accountability, and a genuine commitment to party unity. He urged Hon. Ampratwum Sarpong to put the party’s recovery ahead of his political aspirations, warning that personal ambition should not come at the expense of the NPP’s future success.

Conclusion

As the NPP navigates the post-election period, internal discipline and strategic leadership will be critical to its revival. Tawiah’s statement underscores the growing concerns within the party about prioritizing collective progress over individual ambition. Whether the party heeds his call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the debate over the future of NPP leadership in Mampong has only just begun.