Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has explained that his removal from the position was part of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) plans to re-strategize ahead of the 2024 elections.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed that the NPP wanted a leader from the Central region, following the appointment of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson from the same region as the Minority Leader.
He emphasized that the NPP aimed to dominate and increase visibility in the region.
“President Mahama was yet to select his running mate, but we knew it would likely be Prof. Jean Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Ato Forson had taken over from Haruna Iddrisu. The NPP felt our strength and performance had weakened in the Central region,” he explained.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who resigned on February 21, 2024, at a crucial meeting with former President Akufo-Addo and the NPP leadership at the Jubilee House, was succeeded by his then-Deputy Majority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Reflecting on his resignation, he expressed confidence in the decision, saying, “Per our constitution, the leader is chosen by the party people in parliament, not outside, but I didn’t want to drag issues or create problems.”
He added, “Time will tell if it was the right move. Maybe I will be blamed for the party’s defeat in the election, but that’s okay.”
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu left his position with a sense of peace, trusting that his decision was in the best interest of the party.