Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tarkwa–Nsuaem Constituency of the Western region have publicly called out former Member of Parliament for the area, George Mireku Duker, over what they describe as disturbing developments surrounding the party’s ongoing membership registration exercise.
At a press conference on Monday, March 9, 2026, the elders warned that the credibility of the party’s internal processes in the constituency was under serious threat and urged the national and regional leadership of the NPP to intervene immediately.
The statement was read on their behalf by Mr Bosco Kofi Naakai, a former NPP Constituency Secretary for Tarkwa–Nsuaem.
Concern Over Decline of Party Fortunes
Addressing the media, the elders said they were compelled to speak out because of what they described as a worrying decline of the party in a constituency that had long been considered an NPP stronghold.
“For decades, many of us have sacrificed our time, resources and energy to build the NPP in Tarkwa–Nsuaem into one of the party’s strongholds,” the statement said.
“It is therefore deeply troubling to witness the steady decline of the party in the constituency.”
They noted that the warning signs had been evident in recent elections.
“The party nearly lost the parliamentary seat in 2020 and, for the first time in the Fourth Republic, lost both the presidential and parliamentary elections in Tarkwa–Nsuaem in 2024,” the elders stated.
Alleged Breaches in Membership Registration Exercise
The elders expressed grave concern about how the ongoing membership registration exercise — a critical step toward the election of polling station executives — was being conducted in the constituency.
According to them, the process has been characterised by a blatant disregard for guidelines issued by the party’s National Executive Committee and National Council.
“These guidelines were intended to restore credibility, transparency and grassroots participation,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, the past week in Tarkwa–Nsuaem has seen a flagrant disregard for these guidelines.”
They cited several irregularities that they say have undermined confidence in the process.
Among the concerns raised were the failure of the constituency leadership to publish a clear timetable for the registration exercise.
“The party in the constituency has failed to publish a clear timetable for the registration exercise, leaving many electoral areas uncertain about dates, venues and times,” the elders said.
They also accused some coordinators of refusing to release official membership registers to polling stations.
“In several instances, official membership registers have not been released through the proper party structures, while some coordinators have refused to release the books to polling stations. Others have gone as far as claiming the books are not in their possession.”
Use of Exercise Books Raises Alarm
One of the most disturbing allegations, according to the elders, is the use of ordinary exercise books instead of official party registers to record names of prospective members.
“Even more alarming are reports that names of prospective members are being recorded in ordinary exercise books instead of the official party registers,” the statement said.
“This practice undermines the credibility and integrity of the entire registration exercise.”
They warned that these irregularities had already sparked tension in some areas.
“These irregularities have already resulted in tension and incidents of violence at some registration centres, a development that must not be allowed to continue.”
Read Also: Confusion, tension rock NPP polling station registration exercise in Tarkwa-Nsuaem
Elders Call Out Mireku Duker
The elders also criticised comments allegedly made by George Mireku Duker, warning that such remarks could undermine the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
According to the statement, the former MP reportedly suggested that individuals could register at the party office rather than their polling stations and that the constituency chairman could determine who qualifies to contest polling station elections.
The elders also claimed Mr Duker suggested polling station executives could be selected rather than elected.
“If these assertions are accurate, they directly contradict the guidelines issued by the national party and undermine the integrity of the ongoing organisational process,” they said.
They emphasised that no individual had the authority to determine eligibility for party positions outside the party’s constitution and guidelines.
“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that no individual has the authority to determine who qualifies to hold office in the party outside the party’s established guidelines and constitution,” the statement said.
“The decision on who qualifies to contest or hold any position cannot and must not be based on the personal preference of any individual, regardless of their past position in the party.”
The elders, therefore, urged the former MP to refrain from interfering with the process.
“We therefore urge Hon. Mireku Duker to desist from arrogating to himself powers he does not possess under the party’s guidelines.”
Call for Intervention by Party Leadership
The group appealed to the regional and national leadership of the NPP to urgently step in and ensure strict compliance with the party’s rules.
“We call on the Regional and National leadership of the party to urgently intervene and ensure strict adherence to the rules governing the registration exercise in Tarkwa–Nsuaem.”
They also urged the Constituency Executive Committee to assert its authority and ensure transparency in the process.
“At the same time, we urge the Constituency Executive Committee to assert its authority and ensure that the process is conducted transparently through the recognised party structures.”
Warning Against Violence
The elders further warned against rising tensions and intimidation at registration centres.
“Finally, we call on all stakeholders within the party to take immediate steps to prevent further violence and intimidation at registration centres.”
They stressed that the future of the party in the constituency depended on restoring trust and fairness.
“The NPP in Tarkwa–Nsuaem stands at a defining moment. The rebuilding of the party must be anchored on fairness, transparency and genuine grassroots participation — not manipulation and exclusion.”
“As elders who have invested decades in building this party, we will not remain silent when the integrity and future of the NPP in Tarkwa–Nsuaem are at stake.”
Background: Registration Exercise Marred by Confusion
The elders’ concerns come amid growing reports of confusion and tension surrounding the NPP’s ongoing membership registration exercise in the Tarkwa–Nsuaem constituency.
The exercise, which is intended to update the party’s polling station register ahead of internal elections, has reportedly been plagued by allegations of procedural breaches and near-violent confrontations across several communities.
Party members have complained that some electoral area coordinators refused to release the official polling station albums and instead recorded names in ordinary exercise books — a move many grassroots members believe undermines transparency.
The resulting disagreements have triggered heated confrontations in several areas, including Nkanponasi, Nsuaem, Tarkwa Banso, Layout and Lowcost, with some incidents nearly turning violent.
Observers within the party have warned that the tensions could escalate if the national leadership fails to intervene quickly to restore order and enforce the party’s guidelines.
The NPP’s nationwide membership registration exercise is expected to run throughout March 2026, forming the foundation for a series of internal elections that will eventually culminate in the party’s national conference later in the year.
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