The New Patriotic Party (NPP) internal elections in the Adentan Constituency have been hit by controversy after a party member petitioned the constituency’s Appeals and Elections Committees to investigate the eligibility of a Communications Officer aspirant over allegations of a past criminal conviction.
The petition, filed by an NPP member identified as Amebo Courage, calls for the disqualification of Stephen Osei-Bonsu Boateng, citing concerns about his integrity and suitability for the position.
According to the petitioner, the role of Constituency Communications Officer is a key leadership position that requires a person of unquestionable integrity, honesty and credibility, as the officeholder represents and defends the party’s image before the public.
The petition alleges that Mr Osei-Bonsu Boateng, who is described as a close associate of NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, was previously investigated and prosecuted over alleged financial misconduct while employed as an accountant at Roofsenaf’s LPG Station in Dzorwulu, Accra.
It further claims that the case resulted in his conviction and a two-year custodial sentence following proceedings at the Circuit Court. The petitioner alleges that the court also ordered him to fully compensate the company for losses said to amount to GH¢214,205.
According to the petition, the judgment was delivered on May 24, 2022, by Her Honour Afia Owusuaa Appiah in Suit No. D4/06/2021. It alleges that Mr Osei-Bonsu Boateng participated in the unauthorised discharge of fuel into containers, leading to financial losses for the company. The petitioner further claims he served the custodial sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
The petitioner has therefore urged the Adentan Constituency Appeals Committee and Elections Committee to conduct a comprehensive background investigation by reviewing relevant court records, police records, judicial decisions and any official documents relating to the alleged conviction.
The petition argues that if investigations confirm any conviction involving offences such as dishonesty, fraud, theft, misappropriation or breach of trust, Mr Osei-Bonsu Boateng should be disqualified from contesting the position in accordance with the NPP Constitution.
It specifically cites Article 5 of the party’s constitution, which the petitioner says disqualifies members convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for offences involving dishonesty, fraud or moral turpitude from contesting internal party elections or holding office.
The petition also references Article 4, Subsection 3, Clause 6, arguing that the party has the authority to investigate conduct that could undermine its constitution, reputation and interests.
Additionally, the petitioner alleges that efforts are being made by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, to facilitate Mr Osei-Bonsu Boateng’s candidature despite the constitutional provisions cited in the petition.
The petitioner maintains that conducting a thorough investigation is essential to protecting the credibility, transparency and integrity of the NPP’s internal electoral process and ensuring that only individuals who meet the party’s ethical standards are elected into leadership positions.
At the time of publication, the allegations contained in the petition had not been independently verified. Mr Stephen Osei-Bonsu Boateng and NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua had also not publicly responded to the claims.
Because these are allegations contained in a petition, the story should continue to attribute the claims to the petitioner unless and until they are independently verified or confirmed by the parties involved.
