It has come to the attention of the NPP UK Branch Executives that a falsified report is circulating, accusing the Chairman of the NPP UK Branch and others of financial impropriety concerning funds raised to support the strategic communication project for the 2024 election campaign. While the NPP UK Branch, through its Branch Executive Committee (BEC), has already met and fully discussed and exhausted this matter, we are compelled to address the fake allegations publicly following the unauthorised recording and sharing of a 30-minute portion of the 5-hour Branch Executive meeting, where these issues were discussed.
1. Branch Executive Meeting Finding
During a Branch Executive Committee (BEC) Meeting, the Branch Chairman was offered an opportunity to give an account of some funds that were secured for the execution of a communication strategy after presenting a budget titled NPP Communication Strategy for Election 2024, NPP UK to a sponsor from the just ended election campaign team. The Branch chairman explained that the funds were used for the intended purposes as agreed with the sponsor. The funds were allocated to support a seven-week communications strategy targeting middle-class voters in Ghana as detailed in the budget which was presented.
This involved media engagements on prominent Radio and TV platforms in Ghana. Airtime on these platforms was secured solely to disseminate the communication strategy in line with the NPP manifesto for the election of 2024. The campaign focused on delivering key messages, including financial literacy education, the importance of the credit scoring policy in Ghana, Ghana card for financial inclusion, challenges around the impact of COVID-19 in addressing economic stability and the impact of cedi depreciation and education policy.
The Chairman further indicated that no funds were diverted or misappropriated: A detailed budget breakdown confirms that every expenditure aligned with the stated objectives of the campaign. There were no cartel-like actions involved, as falsely claimed in the circulating allegations.
2. Apology for Lack of Early Communication
During the meeting, the Branch Chairman did not apologise for misappropriation of funds as alleged and falsely published as nothing of that nature has been established. The Branch Chairman however did apologise for his failure to inform his fellow Branch Executive Members.
3. Details of Misrepresentation of the Executive Meeting
Unfortunately, a 30-minute recording of the 5-hour Branch Executive meeting was made and shared without authorisation, leading to the misrepresentation of the discussions held. Contrary to the false claims, no admission of misconduct was made. The meeting focused on transparency, accountability, and moving forward as a united Branch. A committee has been set up to identify the source of the leaked recording with possible sanctions.
4. Constituency Adoption Allegation Clarification
The funds secured for the communications strategy were entirely separate from the resources allocated to the adopted constituency initiative by the NPP UK Branch. The adopted constituency had its own committee and independent funding managed by the NPP UK Branch Constituency Adoption Committee (CAC). Full accounts for the adopted constituencies and any other group or groups affiliated with NPP UK for elections 2024 will be rendered at the appropriate time, as per their terms of reference. Any attempts to conflate these distinct initiatives are misleading and very disingenuous.
5. Evidence of Work Delivered
The success of the communications strategy is visible to all. Members of the NPP UK Media Engagement Team actively engaged with voters across multiple regions in Ghana, and this is well documented on social media platforms and through recordings of radio and TV station appearances. The campaign’s focus on key issues was well documented and widely witnessed both in Ghana and internationally and highly praised.
6. Conclusion
The NPP UK Branch remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability through what has become a core and fundamental principle. The Branch Executive Committee has resolved the concerns and allegations raised. The false publication being circulated is baseless and should be fully disregarded.
We urge all party members and stakeholders to focus on the collective goal of supporting the NPP’s success in uniting and building the party together for future success. Let us not allow these distractions to detract us from the vital work ahead.
…. Signed….. Felix Hamilton
Assistant Secretary, NPP UK Branch
CC: 1. Kwame Kyeretwie-Amponsah, Director of External Affairs, New Patriotic Party
2. Branch Executive Committee, NPP United Kingdom