A fresh internal crisis is unfolding within Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) following explosive remarks by founding member and former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who publicly described the party as “fake.” His comments, made across several media platforms in January 2026, have triggered disciplinary moves and reopened long-standing debates about the party’s identity, leadership style, and internal democracy.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng has remained defiant, rejecting calls to recant or exit the party he helped form. Speaking on Asempa FM, he insisted that the NPP has drifted away from its foundational principles, arguing that those currently in control are the true impostors. “I’m not leaving the party; they should leave the party because they are the fake ones,” he said, dismissing the National Executive Committee’s disciplinary process as a distraction and refusing to appear before it.

His criticisms go beyond rhetoric. Frimpong-Boateng has alleged serious irregularities in the party’s 2023 presidential primaries, claiming the process was manipulated to favor Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He further accused the current leadership of corruption, misuse of power, intolerance of dissent, and institutional decay, describing what he sees as a dangerous erosion of the party’s moral foundation.

In response, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua condemned the remarks, calling them damaging to party unity and public confidence. Speaking on Ekosii Sen, Kodua questioned why such criticisms only emerged after Frimpong-Boateng exited government and firmly denied allegations of primary manipulation. He confirmed that the matter has been referred to the party’s National Executive Committee under Article 4(4) of the NPP constitution, which allows sanctions against members whose conduct brings the party into disrepute.

The fallout has divided party elders and political analysts. Founding member Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe criticized the move toward disciplinary action, describing Professor Frimpong-Boateng as an experienced statesman whose concerns deserved dialogue rather than punishment. He warned that heavy-handed responses could fracture the party further, especially following its recent electoral setback, and risk driving loyal members away at a fragile moment.

Others have taken a firmer stance. Political scientist Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng dismissed the “fake party” claim as exaggerated, insisting the NPP remains a legitimate political institution despite internal challenges. However, Hopeson Adorye, former NPP member and now with the United Party, supported Frimpong-Boateng’s claims, alleging unfair practices during the flagbearer contest, including the intimidation of agents, adding to concerns about internal fairness.

Another political analyst, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, urged caution, noting that while party discipline is necessary, it must be applied consistently. He warned that selective enforcement could create perceptions of bias and silence dissenting voices, undermining unity at a time when cohesion is critical for electoral recovery and long-term stability.

Despite mounting pressure, Professor Frimpong-Boateng remains unmoved, stating he has not received any formal communication from the party. He insists his loyalty is to the ideals upon which the NPP was founded, not to individuals he believes are damaging it from within. The dispute has laid bare deep fractures inside the ruling party, raising urgent questions about its future direction, internal cohesion, and ability to reconcile competing visions ahead of the next electoral cycle.